2. amps-preamps
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Pls help me decide Pass Labs X250.8 or Luxman M900u

I want to upgrade my 2 channel audio.  I have a 7.2.4 Home Theater system I am in the process of upgrading. Recently I upgraded my old B&W N805 / HTM2 to the 803D4 / HT81D4 and relegated my N805’s to Surround duty (and they excel in this roll!)

I have been driving (due to age of system) with a Pass Labs X5, which I will keep for surrounds and center on HT , but I want to upgrade my 2 Channel Audio.  I currently am trying to decide between the PassLabs X250.8 and the  Luxman M900u.  As these B&W’s can dip down below 2ohms I want to make sure I buy an amp which will bring out the best in my system and handle these dips. I will also be buying a Tube Preamp with HT Bypass -(looking for a used VAC Signature Mk5 SE or the new Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4)

 

Anyone with experience with either of these amps and B&W 800’s would be great to hear from.

Thx!

 

garynospamm
alucard19
355 posts
 

Take a look at the Anthem P2 amp it will go down to 1ohm or less.

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
727 posts
 

Odyssey audio

 

Bryston. 

sleeeepguy
27 posts
 

I think you need to find great retailers that have no risk home trials. I have the 250.8 w Wilson Sabrina speakers and Reno HiFi made it possible to try various Pass products. 
 

The best I’ve heard BW 803’s sound was w a McIntosh MC462. Very full and sweet but ridiculously clear. Not fatiguing. 
 

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,279 posts
 

Years ago I owned B&W N803 and drove them with Pass X250.5 and Audio Research LS-25 and Ref1 preamps. B&Ws love power and the X250.5 had zero issues driving them.
I now have Wilson Sabrina that dip to around 2ohms and have no problems with X260.8/XP22 combo. The amps, at normal listening levels below 90db, don’t even leave Class A.

Also, I had XA30.8 driving Martin Logan Montis and the Sabrinas. The MLs have nasty dip to below 1ohm if I’m not mistaking.  The XA30.8 didn’t care. It wasn’t as dynamic and didn’t have the control over the speakers the X260.8 possess with the Wilsons but it still had the midrange and treble magic. 
I have no experience with Luxman amps.

yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
612 posts
 

The 803D4 has a couple of tough dips in its modulus of impedance but nothing that Pass X250.8s can't handle.

 

 

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