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Upgrade from Emotiva XPA1 to Bryston 28bsst2 or Pass X350.8

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I have fairly recently begun building up a system after many years away from owning any decent home hifi equipment. I started off with Maggie 1.7 speakers running off Emotiva XPA1 mono-block amps. I am now driving my Revel Salon 2 speakers with the same Emotiva XPA1 Mono-block amps, with a Bryston BP-17 pre-amp. I have been using the Emotiva amps for a few years, as starter gear for re-entering the hobby, however I would like some good feedback on potential replacement amps that would significantly improve the already amazing sound quality of the Salon 2 speakers. I was thinking either Bryston 28bsst2's or Pass X350.8 or similar. What do y'all recommend for driving the Salon 2 speakers. I would like to hear better sound for jazz at low to mid listening levels, but still need enough power for rock music at higher levels. Thanks.
brystonkiwi

Showing 1 response by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,169 posts
 
I’ve heard the Pass X250.8 in my system. It was a lovely, liquid sound, slightly midrange-forward to my ears and easy to listen to in the treble. I would have kept it, but I couldn’t tolerate (in a basement room) the 400W of heat it puts out at ldle. If anything, the X350.8 should sound even better, and run even hotter.

For years, I used a Bryston 14B SST, and I thought it was the best amp I’d had. I still miss it. Reviews of the 28B say it’s in an even higher class in the treble especially, and the bump from SST to SST2 is supposed to add a little more to that. Comments about a 4BST, though certainly offered in good faith, won’t reflect the sound of a 28B SST2.

So, I think you have named two great choices, and the only way to know which one is right for you is auditioning in your own system and room.

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