1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 1247411701

pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3

Stereophile reveiwer Erick Lichte has done a head to head review of these pass amps in August 2009 issue. Erick uses the aleph 3 as his main amp feeding a pair or Revel f30 speakers, he also uses Benchmark Dac1 to feed the alpeh as I do as well. He was asked to do a comparison between the pass amps as a follow up to the great reveiw of the xa30.5 which was reviewed by Brian Damkroger in which,I quote "absolutely, positively,and enthusiasticallly recommended" the xa30.5 and, Brian sounds like he perfers high powered amps in the review. In the review Erick thought the Xa30.5 sounded more resolving and a little bit better bass control and can sound louder than the 30 watts. It was leaner in the midbass than the aleph 3 but, had a slightly more presents in the top three octave. he still is in love with is aleph 3 and sound like he is not planning on replacing the aleph 3 with the xa30.5. Anyways I have been waiting for a head to head review of these pass amps since the xa30.5 was released. If anyone would like to see the head to head review send me an email and I will take a high res pictures of the artical and send it to anyone. Also Erick Lichte did a head to head review of the Musical Fidelity's 550k supercharger amp and the Aleph 3 in a December 2008 issue. He concluded the aleph sounded better than the 550's by itself. He then supercharged his aleph 3 but did not like the sound. Very interesting articals about my beloved aleph 3, and a great read for aleph 3 owners. In my opinion the aleph 3 is still a giant killer and is a legend when it comes to amps.
tiverson2000

Showing 8 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
Is comparing the 140wpc MA-1 to the 30wpc XA-30.5 on Vandy 5A speakers
valid? According to most reports I have read, the 5A speakers like power,
despite having a powered subwoofer.

This test seems like comparing a penny nail hammer and a sledge
hammer.

It'd have been more equitable to place the XA-100.5 amps on the Vandy 5A
and comparing those to the MA-1 (or comparing a 30wpc Atma-Sphere S-30
to a XA-30.5).
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Look, I am not debating the existence of sonic differences produced by the
two brands on 5A loudspeakers. The point I am making is that comparing a
30wpc Class A amp to a 140wpc Class A amp is not apples to apples, and a
reader should give the comparison appropriate perspective so as not to make
a blanket judgment regarding the sound produced by a Pass Labs amp versus
an Atma-Sphere amp on the 5A speakers. Undoubtedly, the two brands
sound different, but how they differ in comparably spec'd models is unknown.

10-11-09: Madfloyd
Hmm. While I'm not an expert on what the Vandy's need, I would think that
the fact they have powered subs would mean they wouldn't require that much
power.
Read the threads, and you'll see that many owners have commented on the
benefits of more power when driving the 5A. Zybar's experience changing
from the 60wpc Atma-Sphere M-60 to the 140wpc MA-1 is one example.

10-11-09: Madfloyd
The XA series is known for having a lot more power than the rated value (I
think the rated value is for class A, after which it goes into
A/B).
The XA-30.5 leaves Class A at 60wpc peak.

Still not comparable to the 140wpc of the MA-1.

We all know from experience that any loudspeakers' sound changes as more
watts are added to drive it.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Well, when you're read to sell those XA-100.5, please send me an email. I'll take first dibs.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
11-18-09: Earflappin
...at 25W into 8ohms Nelson and Mark at Reno Hi-Fi thought it wouldn't have enough power to drive my 95db efficient speakers.
Really?

The issue of sufficient amp power is a bit mysterious.

At RMAF, Audio Note was driving their AN-E SPe HE loudspeakers (95dB...and John Atkinson suggests they are less sensitive than 95dB) with an 8wpc amplifier to very loud and undistorted levels.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Will any of them come close to the magic of the M60s with my OTL friendly speakers (89db).
Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Based on having the M-60, J2 and M2 in my system, I will say the First Watt amps sounded appreciably different than the Atma-Sphere amps...neither better not worse...just different. There was a difference between the J2 and M2 as well, but less so than with the Atma-Sphere amps. The J2 has more bass control and clarity. The M2 has a bit softer, more forgiving presentation (but not mushy or with lack of extension). The J2 has more in common with the XA-30.5 than does the M2, IMO. You really owe it to yourself to hear both amps on your speakers if possible.

Whether you will find the same magic, or a different magic, is only something you can answer.

I used these amps on Audio Note AN-e/SPe HE loudspeakers (98dB, 8 ohm nominal...but a not-so-flat impedance curve). Preamp was an SMc Audio VRE-1.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I can't for the life of me figure out why all Pass Labs threads lately are turning into shameless plugs for RENO HiFi?
Tpk123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I mention Reno HiFi because they're easy to work with and they have good stock.

Also, there's the state sales tax issue. Yes, I know any out-of-state purchases are supposed to be reported on one's state income taxes so the sales tax is paid. I'm certain everyone here claims their out-of-state purchases, yes? Of course you do.

Sorry to be blunt, but there's your answer.

That said, if your local Pass Labs dealer offers the same terms and service, and they have similar ample stock that's immediately ready to be sent out for audition, then by all means support him/her.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Let's keep the forums to discussion about sonic qualities and answering the post rather than trying to get your pal another sale.
Tpk123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Mark Sammut at Reno HiFi is not a pal. He's simply a dealer with whom I've had three telephone conversations and from whom I've purchase some Pass Labs amps and a Pass Labs phono preamp for evaluation.

At no time did I receive any special treatment or discount other than what he typically offers his customers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
02-04-11: Tpk123
Tvad,

Local could be regional so you can forget your little tax scenario.
Not sure how one defines local versus regional when discussing high end audio dealers since there are so few, but to be specific, I am discussing purchases made in-state versus across state lines.

Not sure your affiliation with Reno but this is getting out of control.
Tpk123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I am a customer.

You seem to have a bone to pick, Tpk123, as if you are a Pass Labs dealer, or as if you have an allegiance to a Pass Labs dealer whom you think is being ignored by the recommendations.

Feel free to recommend your favorite Pas Labs dealer, as we all can.
More to discover