PSB Synchrony One Speakers and Pass XA30.5 Amp


For a while I've been driving a pair of PSB Synchrony Ones with a Pass Labs XA30.5 amp (and Pass XP-10 preamp) and I find I'm still fussing over the sound. This combination seems to lack liveliness on most recordings, and this observation  seems at odds with the descriptions I've read here about the speakers' character. I'm wondering if this pairing is just not suitable? I listen to a wide variety of music but mostly jazz, classical and choral. I'd like some suggestions on other amps that might do better (greater liveliness) with the Synchrony Ones than the XA30.5. My room is roughly 24' (L) x 10' (W) x 16' (H) with the speakers firing down the 24' dimension although I can only sit 6-7 ft from them. 

Thanks
partialresponse

Showing 2 responses by mechans

Did the PSBs ever have the vitality you want, driven by any other amp?  If so you know they can do it,.  Now you have to decide whether you want to design the rest of system to get that out of them.  I went through that with some Focal Electras and was quite happy with the result.  It literally to years of trial and error to get there  though.  If you haven't heard them do it in another system then I would ditch the PSBs, and go on the "perfect speaker" hunt.  The bane of all audiophiles known to take down even the high and mighty.

You can try a couple of highly well known SS power amps. One that comes to mind is ARC, they just don’t make tube amps and the sound might be lively enough for you. As for others I don’t know what else you are considering, or what your budget is, but I feel safe with ARC given you’ve request for lively sound.

BTW Modern tube amps are quite lively, amongst other very positive attributes, if that’s your main concern. It took me 8 years to figure this out.