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Upgrade bug has hit, interested in Pass Labs Amps

So as I am feeling the upgrade bug, I have been looking into upgrading my amp. Currently I have Bel Canto Ref1000s and I feel that the class D amps are not giving me the quality of sound that I would like to receive, lacking fullness and realistic qualities. So I have been looking into Pass Labs X250 and X250.5 amps, from what I have read these are very good amps and should be a considerable upgrade from my ref1000s???? Also what is the difference in the X250 and the X250.5? Is it worth the extra 1000-1500 that I have seen them for on here?
Also any other SS amps in this price range give or take a few dollars that are recommended?
Thanks
Tim
tmesselt
tmesselt OP
56 posts
 
I have prob had them about 7 months now, they are the mk1s. Yeah, I to have heard good things about the mk2s. I just dont know if I can justify putting 2k into upgrading them, when I can sell the mk1s, for about 2k, and add about 2k to that, and start looking for amps in that area. Also, I am using Paradigm Studio 60 v3. Which will get upgraded before or after the amp.

My short list is
Focal Electra 1027BE
Dali Helicon 400mk2
Dali MS4
Dynaudio Contour S5.4
Wilson Sophia

Would I be better off replacing the amp or speakers first??

Tim
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
One more thing to consider is connectivity and PCs. . . What are you using right now? not everything works well with any electronics, and Bel Canto amps are no exception. Guido
tmesselt OP
56 posts
 
So I run a bel canto dac3 into the ref1000s viA analysis plus solo crystal oval balanced Interconnects. That is connected to a mac mini via kimber USB cable. Hope this helps to get a better image of my setup .
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Speakers first! The only speakers on your list I have heard are the Dynaudios, actually it was the S 3.4s. As a previous owner of the Studio 60v.2 speakers I can say the improvement with the Dyns was not subtle.
arbuckle
89 posts
 
I totally disagree about speakers first. Amps can completely change the sound, for example. I was considering changing out my speakers as I was constantly hunting for more and tighter bass among other things in the soundstage. I looked at every speaker under the sun and instead swapped out my amp and couldnt be happier with my sound. The improvements were startling. I liken the amp to the engine in the car. The car may look nice (i.e., speakers), but if the engine (amp) cannot drive it well it is all lost.
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