2. amps-preamps
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Pass X-250.5 or Plinius SA-103

I've ben going back and forth. Would like to go to Pass XA but can't afford it. What's the better choice here??? I'm thinking the 125 watt in class a would be better. I've never heard the SA-103. Some say the Plinius amps are noisy, but I have the itch to try one. Any thoughts?

speakers - DeVore Fidelity Nines
preamp- Pass Labs X-1
source- Esoteric X03-se
BPT 2.5 sig power conditioner
cables- Audiopath silver 8
roor
gandme
212 posts
 
The Aleph 3 is single ended. I think the other Alephs were single ended or balanced (with the exception of the 0s ?)
keithr
950 posts
 
or maybe pick up an old Krell KSA-50/100

those were great amps years ago, and would work well
gundam91
506 posts
 
Correcto. The Aleph O and Os have both single-ended and balanced inputs. But I've not been able to produce the performance level of my X350.5 with my Aleph Os, probably because my speakers need more power than what the Os can deliver? Speakers are Verity Parsifal Encores.

FrankC
macd
103 posts
 
I have never owned a Pass, but the warmth and smoothness of a plinius would never disappoint.
gandme
212 posts
 
I think if you like the Plinius amps, to my ears it is similar in presentation to both the the Aleph and the X series Pass equipment, depending on the position of the bias switch. I had the SA-100 and would compare it to the X-150 Pass A/B design. When switched into high bias class A very similar to the Pass Aleph 4...but I found the Aleph to be the most musical to my ears...a little magic!
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