2. amps-preamps
  3. 151367-20253

You've tried other amps and ended with Pass, please discuss

So I'm genuinely curious about this, and I'd like your thoughts.

You: Are a current pass owner who has tried a number of other amps and stuck with Pass.

Please discuss your speakers, your pass and what other amps you feel your current set up bested.

I won't opine, but may ask questions to those who are not specific enough.
One thing I've heard a lot is the terms "refined." I don't know what this means, so if you can compare to other amps with more detail, would appreciate that.
Thanks!

Erik
erik_squires
axo0oxa
98 posts
 
Any thoughts on how a pair of KEF Reference 3 speakers would work with a Pass Labs 30.8 or 30.5? I would be pairing the amplifier up with a Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 Extreme.
vinylvalet
845 posts
 
Coda amps are a good alternative to Pass (owned by ex-Threshold engineers). A big difference is the level of marketing.
futureaudiophile's avatar
futureaudiophile
14 posts
 
I have owned pretty much every amp out there as a 45 year old "recovering audiophile" who has been involved in the hobby since I was 14. I am very blessed because of the publications that I own/ed that I get access to a lot of cool gear.

Pass is at the top of my list these days. Class-A ones specifically. I want solar panels before I get my next pair of mono blocks however as they draw hard from the wall. 

"Practicing audiophiles" will wince when I give you my real objection (other that I am a little house poor right now and need an entirely new kitchen at my new place) which is Pass Amps are just a LITTLE too WIDE to fit into an equipment rack and I don't put amps on the floor - ever. No cable mess either. 

With that said: they are a client and they make about the best amp I can think for the money. Don't get me wrong... I love me some Krell, D'agostino, ARC, Classe, Mark Levinson etc... I just like the tube-like sound without the tube troubles. Also pretty fair prices (retail) considering.

three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@gdnrbob 

@three_easy_payments,What speakers are you using?Bob

Spendor D7.  It actually said in post above.
erik_squires OP
15,845 posts
 
Coda amps are a good alternative to Pass (owned by ex-Threshold engineers). A big difference is the level of marketing.


Hey @vinylvalet - Can you talk about the sonic characteristics between the two? I heard Coda’s a long time ago and from a sound quality perspective, I would not have naturally put them next to Pass. What have you heard that is different or the same?


From the designs then, Coda was a low negative feedback, and very high number of transistors, to achieve remarkably low output resistance. Doesn’t Pass favor the opposite? Zero feedback and simplest possible designs?


In addition, AFAIK, Pass favors rich even ordered distortion, while Coda is attempting a straight wire with gain approach.


Clearly both brands have engineers with an enviable pedigree, but to my ears and knowledge of their PR, they are taking divergent approaches.


Best,

Erik

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