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The imperfect amp: Pass or Ayre?

There are two high end SS amp brands which, from a technical perspective, don’t do very well, which I am thinking of:

Ayre and Pass.

Pass has stated that even ordered distortion is euphonic. Ayre’s zero feedback, diamond circuit has a great deal of distortion compared to the very best measuring amps.

I have to admit, that like an IPA vs. a Belgian White, I have a very strong preference, but my preference is not canon. It is just how my wallet moves me. You should in no way feel like my tastes matter. Buy what makes you giddy with joy.

Would you, kind lady or gentleman, tell us if you have heard both, what did you think?? Is this to narrow? Would you throw another brand into the ring??
erik_squires

Showing 4 responses by golfnutz

golfnutz
231 posts
 

Eric, are you obsessed with finding someone, anyone to agree with your insecurity about Pass Labs? This is now your 6th TROLLING tread with Pass Labs in the title.

Here's your view on Ayre vs Pass Labs:

I've heard a top end Pass System and I'm .... mystified. I'm sorry but they don't do it for me. They're not even as good as Parasound Halo line. To my ears they are thin and not particularly revealing.

If I had the money and space I'd buy Ayre and never ever look at Pass again.

It's a broken record, you're obsessed with it. Give it up!

golfnutz
231 posts
 

@gdnrbob

He just want to find out why people find Pass amps are so desirable.

Really, then maybe I don't understand what the following means:

Whatever it is Pass fanatics rave about it grates on me.

golfnutz
231 posts
 
I agreee @tomcy6 , but the problem is what about the member who takes time putting together a well thought out post only to find out that their response didn’t really matter since Eric is only looking for negative comments. So now the issue becomes members not posting because they now understand it has no context to the subject in the title - that’s what’s wrong. He’s wasting the time of others. And to him it's just a big joke.
golfnutz
231 posts
 

Looks like 6 TROLLING discussions to me...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/the-imperfect-amp-pass-or-ayre

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/you-ve-tried-other-amps-and-ended-with-pass-please-discuss

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ayre-parasound-pass-where-are-you

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pass-xa200-8-review-fun-measurements

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/spectral-vs-ayre-vs-pass-vs-bryston-comparisons-and-thoughts

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/used-pre-ayre-pass-or-para-jc2


Here's the biggest joke of the century (written by Eric).

For sound quality, I think it’s a better amp than my Parasound A23 and ICEpower 250 AS modules, for identical reasons. It is also better than any Pass amp I’ve heard, for totally different reasons.

Compared to the Pass amps though, it's a totally different story. I find the Pass amps I have heard leaner and frankly, audibly irritating. I’ve heard a very nice set up at an audiophile’s home, and heard many at an audio show near San Francisco where Pass was a sponsor. Whatever it is Pass fanatics rave about it grates on me.

Funny thing is, the Luxman 507ux sounds bright, thin, and dry compared to Pass amps. Audiodrom only gave it a 76%, while the pass int 250 get 92%.

Eric, why do you keep chasing bad sound after bad sound? If you've gotten a Pass Amp at the beginning, you wouldn't be in the situation your in now. Hopefully, you'll be a bit smarter with your next amp purchase (I genuinely mean that too).

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