PLEASE match Advice Pass Labs X350.5 (20k) to Hovland HP-100 (2500ohms) Miss-match ???
See if you can find a used Manley Jumbo Shrimp, it has a real low output impedance! https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/manley-laboratories/products/manley-jumbo-shrimp |
John, I’ve noticed that apparent anomaly in the specs of the Pass .5 amps in the past, and I’m pretty certain it is a mistake in the specs, and what was intended was 20K single-ended/30K balanced. Al, thanks for your input. I might have to contact Pass directly to get the true numbers. I just assumed that the 30K SE/ 20K BAL was correct because of Threshold history. Many old Threshold amps had a SE input impedance of 50Kohm while the Balanced inputs were rated at 600 ohms input impedance. https://www.stereophile.com/content/threshold-stasis-sa12e-power-amplifier-specifications Also, Coda amps, which were designed by 3 ex-Threshold engineers, always had very low balanced input impedances as well. The spec sheet on the Model 15/15.5 shows an SE input impedance of 50K with a Balanced input impedance of 1K ohms. http://coda.cc/product/index.php So I just assumed it was something in this family design that always had the balanced input impedance lower than the unbalanced input impedance. It does look like Nelson has addressed this flaw with the .8 series. Cheers, John PS: I see in Stereophile's measurements of the XA60.5 amps they measured a 17K input impedance in both SE and BAL. Who knows which figure is right? https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-labs-xa605-monoblock-power-amplifier-measurements |
If I go SS pre for max matching I have these 2 options for exact same very good price. The matching brand via same company obviously would be best matchm but have heard more than a couple times it can be kind of sterile which I hate and the Ayre. No one ever calls them sterile. Same money Pass Labs XP-10 Ayre K-5xeMP For $800 more and money matters CJ ET3SE or add another $300 ARC LS27 These tube amps have low enough source impedance to work as they use JFETs to solve the problem. I'm leaning towards Ayre or CJ I think although part of me still wants the BAT - what do you guys think? Thx |
Oops guys just got back me. Ayre K-1xe for $150 more than the ARC - i head these are great - long in the tooth but great - really want the one out of these that is the best but also match impeidamce wise and will match my Pass amp best and work with Magico S5's - so I can swing any these price wise? |
