The Pass amps do take some break in time before sounding their best. The INT-25 is a lovely sounding amp but it does lack a little bit of "grunt" for want of a better word. I don't know the Wilentson amp but, based on listening to similarly specified tube amplfiers, I could see how certain aspects of the sound might appeal relative to the Pass.
Pass INT-25 better than Wilsenton R8?
I have recently purchased a Pass Labs INT-25. It replaced a Wilsenton R8 with NOS tubes (EL-34). I feel that the sound im getting from the Pass is not 5000.00 better. Has anyone purchased a INT-25 and not been blown away from the sound? I do think that the 25 has a wider soundstage.
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@gerrie You've heard every tube amp then...? |
@travisg OK so enough time to evaluate. Sounds like it's underwhelming... |
Well, I have the same pass amp and you need to allow time for burn it and also make sure you leave it on 24/7. If you are starting it up after being off (cold) and expecting good sound it is not going to happen. Also, that amp requires careful speaker pairing as well. That being said, for the extra 5k you are also getting an heirloom piece that will last generations if properly cared for. Pass customer service is probably the best there is. I have a friend that sent them his 30+ year old Threshold amp to be checked and recapped. They got it all up to spec and replaced the caps and charged practically nothing to do it. He was not even the original owner of the amp. When you call Pass you get a real human that picks up and if you email them you will get a response from an engineer usually on the same day. They are incredible. |
- 49 posts total