2. amps-preamps
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pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3

Stereophile reveiwer Erick Lichte has done a head to head review of these pass amps in August 2009 issue. Erick uses the aleph 3 as his main amp feeding a pair or Revel f30 speakers, he also uses Benchmark Dac1 to feed the alpeh as I do as well. He was asked to do a comparison between the pass amps as a follow up to the great reveiw of the xa30.5 which was reviewed by Brian Damkroger in which,I quote "absolutely, positively,and enthusiasticallly recommended" the xa30.5 and, Brian sounds like he perfers high powered amps in the review. In the review Erick thought the Xa30.5 sounded more resolving and a little bit better bass control and can sound louder than the 30 watts. It was leaner in the midbass than the aleph 3 but, had a slightly more presents in the top three octave. he still is in love with is aleph 3 and sound like he is not planning on replacing the aleph 3 with the xa30.5. Anyways I have been waiting for a head to head review of these pass amps since the xa30.5 was released. If anyone would like to see the head to head review send me an email and I will take a high res pictures of the artical and send it to anyone. Also Erick Lichte did a head to head review of the Musical Fidelity's 550k supercharger amp and the Aleph 3 in a December 2008 issue. He concluded the aleph sounded better than the 550's by itself. He then supercharged his aleph 3 but did not like the sound. Very interesting articals about my beloved aleph 3, and a great read for aleph 3 owners. In my opinion the aleph 3 is still a giant killer and is a legend when it comes to amps.
tiverson2000
57 responses Add your response
Post removed 
rtn1
535 posts
 
Tpk123, OK. That made me laugh.

And it's not just the beer talking!
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Not sure there is a Reno conspiracy (actually I'm sure there
isn't), just what appears to be satisfied customers with the
service provided. I've bought an XA30.5 and Aleph J, and
maybe a J2 soon, and if I am not happy with it, an easy
trade-in policy (a home evaluation with my equipment and
room if you will); seems to be a good business model, and
now Audiofeil seems to be part of this distribution channel
with First Watt gear. Now the question is where does your
anti-Reno Animus come from. You own a brick and mortar? If
so, I suggest you get a website up, 60-70% of some stores
come from their internet channel. If not that, then why
complain when others recommend a vendor for providing good
service. If Tvad were the only one, you would quickly hear
from others of what a piece of S%&t Reno was, and all the
bad experiences some have had. It doesn't happen. Why? I
think it is obvious. But really, the Reno issue isn't very
interesting. Much more interesting is which of the wonderful
Pass/First Watt products to buy. Why? When seeking SS,
Pass/First Watt must be on anyone's shortlist of products to
consider.
Post removed 
tpk123
61 posts
 
Not sure why several you are so vehemently defending when there seems to be a more than coincidental showing of Pass Labs threads turning into Reno plugs and someone calls it out? If you want me to become a brick and mortar please send me a private email with your info and wire me the funds to do so. I am simply stating an observation. I call em as I see em and the excited responses are more than curious. Maybe any retailer can learn from Reno.....seems like there are people ready to fall on the sword for their reputation. I can't remember the last time I was ready to fall on the sword for someone I bought something from.
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
I call em as I see em and the excited responses are more than curious.

Tpk123 - You are the one who seems to be excited. And your responses are the ones I would describe as curious.

FWIW, I too have had a conversation with Mark from Reno Hifi. I did not buy my Pass amp from him, as he did not have the unit I was looking for at the time I was looking. Having said that, I found him friendly, informed, and helpful.

You can add me to the list of conspirators.

Bryon
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I don't know what Tpk123 is talking about. I wish there was a Pass dealer in the Boston area. I could then audition the equipment and have local dealer support. I would recommend him as well if he provided good service. anyway, who is peterslayer?

To answer the OP's original question, my first Pass amp was the Aleph 3. I still own it and think it is very good if paired with an appropriate speaker. I heard the XA30.5 briefly when I auditioned my current speakers, but it did not have the needed power to drive them well (86dB, 4 ohm). I now own the XA160.5, and they sound great in my system. My impression of the XA30.5 versus the Aleph 3 is that former has better control of the lower frequencies, is a quieter amp than the Aleph and it is more neutral with slightly better detail. The Aleph is a legend and was quite an achievement for the time, but the newer Pass amps are better, though more expensive. The Aleph 3 is a very good value on the used market and is still an excellent choice for the right speaker.

You can read more of my opinions on the evolution of Pass Class A amps in my review of the XA100.5 here on Audiogon or on the Pass Labs website.
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