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 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

KRELL Duo XD lineup

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

With my Thiel CS3,7, a speaker that went down to 2 Ohm a lot, my Benchmark AHB2 did not have a very propulsive or powerful sound with dynamic music. It sounded great with slower stuff.

With a CODA #8, KRELL Duo 175XD, Parasound A21+ the sound was explosive with the same music that was not so great with the AHB2.

Another amp that will drive hard load and is rather good for a low price is the Peachtree GAN400.

Saying all of that I have another AHB2 on its way next week.

The CODA #16 is an amp I would recommend if you like Luxman and PASS. I moved up from the #8 to the #16. It doubles from 150 | 300 | 600 @ 8 | 4 | 2. 

More to discover