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Threshold verse Pass Labs how can I justify significant price difference

I'm running currently series one Threshold S500 with the optical bias and Threshold S500 second series as a bi amp config to my JBL 4367. System sounds the way I like it no complains.
Now I've been having thoughts about upgrade amps to Pass Labs 350.5 or 250.5.
250.5 would be in same power range as S500 so my question is since Pass will be priced higher how much better would it sound and is it worth to spend extra $$?
does 250.5 will make so much difference that there is no sense to go up to 350.5? or the only way to get any significant upgrade is to go for 2 of 350.5 and would it be so much better sound than my Thresholds I could justify spending extra $7K!

Can't wait to hear what you guys have to say.


ssg308
ssg308's avatar
ssg308 OP
9 posts
 
So as far as I can see, I should live alone my setup.
the only reason I would even look at 350.5 is  its looks and appearance.  And since there is no significant difference between S series and Pass X series there is no point for me to spend money. 
BTW I’m aware my amps aren’t the best but I like how they sound and look and I like to stick with Pass design amps.
thank you guys for your opinions 
minorl
740 posts
 
The thresholds are very nice but the Pass amps have completely different circuitry and you will find significant differences in sound vs the threshold amps.  

I would still keep a threshold amp as a backup amp.  The perceived differences between Pass amps is an entirely different matter.  I would have to hear them in my system to judge. 

However, no contest between the still very good threshold vs Pass gear
unsound
6,115 posts
 
^FWIW, I prefer the looks of the S 500 without the distracting glowing meters of the Pass Labs.
ssg308's avatar
ssg308 OP
9 posts
 
Well the blue glow was one of the issues I have with the look of Pass 
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I just bought a pair of Threshold FET 10 line pre and phono pre and they are over 25 years old. I have to say they are as good as anything.. up to say $20,000.
SO I would tell the op, switching to PASS amps would be total LATERAL swap, just to spend big bucks. What you would have a newer amps with a company still in business.. But not any better sound. Now maybe if you were spending $30,000
The list on the 350.5 was $11,550 in 2013 You r current amps would probably have cost the same if they were built in 2013...
I say keep your amps and buy something else (not a new amplifier), that is actually an upgrade.
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