@mrdecibel
Youre so right about mood being a factor. In fact, I started that discussion on mood you referenced.
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Wow! With all the negative commentsI’m probably going to “pass” on the demonstration.
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I am really conflicted now. Evidently weak-minded. When I read the negative posts I was all set to ditch the audition. Now that I read positive remarks, I’m not so sure.
I guess I’ll never know until I listen to the Pass sound, even if it isn’t the same exact amp. If I decide to buy it the $300 will be deducted from the cost.
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@ghdprentice
No offense, but what does the cost of your speaker wires have to do with my situation?
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The$300 fee would go towards the cost of the amp if I bought it.
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Now that I’m listening to more recordings objectively I’m hearing the brightness of the Benchmark sound which could be tamed by Pass.
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To those who say (some in a snarky manner) that I am being tricked into this purchase by a diabolical predator, let me say I am aware of the seduction. Nobody is more gullible to suggestion and at risk for deception than an audiophile. That’s why I created this post, to see what others had to say. And I must say there are a myriad of opinions.
What is driving my interest in now trying out the amp is the posts of those who believe it will make a big difference in my system. It’s enough of a percentage to convince me to at least see what it’s like
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Thank all of you who have taken the time to post and give me doubts about this transaction. Especially to one who has heard and liked my system. You all may have convinced me to shun the deal.
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The main reason for my decision was not just the $300 fee (which I agree might probably be worth it considering the heft of the amps,) but also the fact that it’s a different amp that I’d be trying out PLUS the fact that I really LIKE the sound of my system as is. The synergy between components is amazing and hard to come by.
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The sound at times is really quite good. The problem is it gets too loud too soon and there is a blurring of the sound, like it overwhelms the system.I’m going to experiment and listen this weekend with a positive attitude, but I’m afraid I might have to have to pass on buying the Pass.
Interestingly, pop and rock, due to the limited dynamic range, sound wonderful..
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QUANDARY REVISITED
I reversed course and bit for the $300 demonstration. I have the whole weekend to listen and decide. If it doesn’t make my system sound significantly better I will happily return the demo amps without feeling any obligation. Since I can afford the $300 it is not a hardship for me to satisfy my curiosity. As some have pointed out, to lug 90 lb. amps over, set them up and lug them back is certainly worth something. And if I buy, the money will go towards the purchase price.
The only caveat is that I won’t be hearing the exact same thing that I’m buying. But I’m reassured that the sound will be very close, and to me it’s worth the gamble.
They are coming to install momentarily. I’ll report back as to the results.
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Well, the Pass is definitely an improvement over the Benchmark. I just have to decide if it’s enough of an improvement to justify the expense.
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Right now the Pass seems a little “overwhelming” and not quite as detailed as the Benchmark on some things. I have to keep the volume knob way down. However it certainly fills in a lot of gaps in volume that the Benchmark lacks.
I suppose that was to be expected.
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Mr.D
I’m aware of the phase inversion on the CJ and have the correct configuration of the leads. Thank you for your suggestions. I’m trying to just listen and enjoy. The problem I’m facing right now is, because the CJ has no remote control I have to get up and down to change the volume for each recording. What’s worse is that the tiniest turn of the volume dial creates a difference in volume. Very disconcerting.
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The problem is the slightest turn of the volume control brings a big difference in the sound. With the Benchmark, I didn’t need to change the control that often because one setting was fine for many recordings. Maybe the less powerful 30 watt amp would allow for greater range of control.
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@mrdecibel
Can you recommend a quality amp that will match well with my CJ?
The Benchmark matches perfectly.
Maybe I should just leave well enough alone.
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An observation: With the Benchmark I listened for fine detail. The Pass is more homogenized, but in a very nice way. I’m beginning to get used the Pass sound and liking it more than previously.
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@mrdecibel
Yes, you’re right I’m very used to that “uncolored” sound. Hard to adjust.
Thanks for the response, and being there.
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@mrdecibel
I think the Pass was not really designed for the complexity of classical music. It sounds fabulous on all other styles.
btw, Do you live on Long Island?
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I scheduled the return of the Pass.
When he picks up the Pass, the guy is going to let me hear a Rogue tube amp while he’s here. It should be interesting.
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Unfortunately, he’s not going to leave the Rogue with me. Hopefully I can tell something about it’s character, including the impedance issue, before he brings it back.
The synergy between the Benchmark and the other components in my system is quite good.
Unless the Rogue exceeds Benchmark’s quality, it will be a quick NO.
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@mrdecibel
Well, as I’m sure you predicted, the Benchmark blew away not only the Rogue but a CJ amp he brought over. It blossomed like a beautiful flower. The other two amps sounded dead in comparison. It wasn’t even close!
As I’ve said, the synergy of my components is outstanding.
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In my system, at least, the CJ and Rogue tube amps didn’t work out well.
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With the Benchmark I can set the volume control knob anywhere between 11:00 and 2:00, a much wider range than any of the other amps. The CJ tube preamp has been refitted with Teflon caps and is an ideal match for the Benchmark.
The combination of solid state and tubes works. The amount of detail, warmth and soundstaging is impressive.
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Interesting note: The Pass solid state sounded better than either of the tube amps I tried.
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