2. misc-audio
  3. 190104-89202

Quandary

I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

rvpiano

Showing 3 responses by cdc

cdc
1,929 posts
 

@erik_squires 

There are amps I can recommend unconditionally for all listeners with all systems, and Pass is not one of them.

What amps would those be?

cdc
1,929 posts
 

The only problem is he doesn’t have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks.

For $300, dealer should at least let you listen to the amp in question.

 

When I had my Triton Ones, I used an Odyssey Stratos amp which at 150wpc and 60 amps of current was a perfect match to the Triton Ones. I moved on to the Triton Refs and now use a 300wpc McIntosh amp which puts me over the moon

Excellent point. Pass will be better but so could a lot of other amps. If you are on the amp upgrade path, are you willing to "settle" for the first one you hear.

If it was me, I would question how the Pass will blend with the Triton's digital bass amps.

cdc
1,929 posts
 

@oldaudiophile 

a listening position without a good amount of empty spade behind it (e.g.  6' or more - the more, the better - a couch or chair right up against a wall or bookcases or something like that would not be a good idea) leads to relatively intense listening fatigue and very quickly.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

More to discover