2. amps-preamps
  3. 185476-181376

Pls help me decide Pass Labs X250.8 or Luxman M900u

I want to upgrade my 2 channel audio.  I have a 7.2.4 Home Theater system I am in the process of upgrading. Recently I upgraded my old B&W N805 / HTM2 to the 803D4 / HT81D4 and relegated my N805’s to Surround duty (and they excel in this roll!)

I have been driving (due to age of system) with a Pass Labs X5, which I will keep for surrounds and center on HT , but I want to upgrade my 2 Channel Audio.  I currently am trying to decide between the PassLabs X250.8 and the  Luxman M900u.  As these B&W’s can dip down below 2ohms I want to make sure I buy an amp which will bring out the best in my system and handle these dips. I will also be buying a Tube Preamp with HT Bypass -(looking for a used VAC Signature Mk5 SE or the new Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4)

 

Anyone with experience with either of these amps and B&W 800’s would be great to hear from.

Thx!

 

garynospamm

Showing 4 responses by yoyoyaya

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
863 posts
 

The 803D4 has a couple of tough dips in its modulus of impedance but nothing that Pass X250.8s can't handle.

 

 

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
863 posts
 

OP - I also agree with ghdprentice. One particular point of difference ref. mtdining - Pass amps are very refined in the top end, which some may interpret as "a lack of high end". Unamplified acoustic music has an apparent lack of top end compared to most "hi fi" reproduction. It depends on what one's point of reference is.

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
863 posts
 

@OP  - audphile1 makes a very important point - it is critical to listen to the pre power combination, even moreso if a tube pre is being contemplated.

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
863 posts
 

@OP Late reply as I am no on USA time.

Just two final comments - once the specs don't show any red flags - listen!

Secondly, I wouldn't get hung up on technologies and suggest that you also listen to a comparably priced Passlabs preamp before making a final decision.

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