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 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,537 posts
 

Sounds like you got a lot of experience for your experiment. The conclusion that comes to my mind is that a major factor in your enjoyment is detail… that is what Benchmark is about… hence a really good choice for you. The Pass and especially  CJ are about carefully walking the line to balance detail, midrange bloom to capture the perspective of music in its venue . Anyway, hopefully you are happy with the experiment. It would have been worth it for me. 

ghdprentice
7,537 posts
 

I think it likely the Pass amp would make a profound impact on your system in a very positive way. It would increase the midrange and musicality by a tremendous amount. Definitely worth the test.

Also, in general the sound character will be almost the same between the recommended amp and the demo amp… although the one recommended might be a tad less slam with a very slightly attenuated soundstage (likely to be very small difference).

Is it worth $300? I suspect it will be. I would guess that if you buy it he should refund the $300. Do you want to be sleping a 90 lb amp around. What does your system cost $30K+? The tax on my speaker wires was nearly $300.

 

 

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