Threshold verse Pass Labs how can I justify significant price difference
Nelson Pass seems to suggest prolonged "Class A bias" as a positive attribute. FWIW, the Threshold S Series amps were said to be "Class A biased" to 20 % of it's rated full 8 Ohm output per channel. That would suggest that your S 500's has a "Class A biased" output of 50 Watts per channel. More than the either the Pass Labs 250.5 or 350.5. https://www.passlabs.com/sites/default/files/x.5_specs_2.pdf |
I would listen long before I made the decision a Pass was an upgrade. Also on your list should be Ayre and Parasound. Ayre IMHO is a much better sounding amp than Pass, and the Parasound may be a significant upgrade just from virtue of being new, withoug the megabuck costs of the Ayre or Pass. Of course, Bryston too should be on your list. Above all, your your own ears, and not necessarily the price tag to guide you. Best, E |
So as far as I can see, I should live alone my setup. the only reason I would even look at 350.5 is its looks and appearance. And since there is no significant difference between S series and Pass X series there is no point for me to spend money. BTW I’m aware my amps aren’t the best but I like how they sound and look and I like to stick with Pass design amps. thank you guys for your opinions |
The thresholds are very nice but the Pass amps have completely different circuitry and you will find significant differences in sound vs the threshold amps. I would still keep a threshold amp as a backup amp. The perceived differences between Pass amps is an entirely different matter. I would have to hear them in my system to judge. However, no contest between the still very good threshold vs Pass gear |
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Sorry, not having read enough of this thread, I may be repeating something here. I owned a Threshold S500 and took a peek inside. It was impressive, 'for it's time', I will say that. As well built as it was, there was an issue with the channels being cooler than they should, which is a bias issue. My point here is that to resolve all the issues associated with getting the amp back to spec was not worth the effort. The search went on from there to find a suitable working replacement. |
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https://www.passlabs.com/sites/default/files/Point8_specs_6.pdf ^The Pass Labs "Class A bias" output for the .8's |
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