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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
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.
ssg308's avatar
ssg308 OP
9 posts
 
Valid point and all opinions lead me to conclusion to stop improving my setup and start enjoying it.  All doe I always wanted FAT 10 both panels so I just might get it and see if on pre amp stage I could improve situation 
hew's avatar
hew
159 posts
 
Get the the Pass and find out for yourself. You can always sell it, if its not what you seek. But I am sure you will be wondering what the hell the people in this thread were talking about.
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
I'd hardly say there's no significant difference between Threshold products and Pass Labs! Major differences to note: Pass Labs amps use FETs instead of BJTs, they use Su-Sy feedback, they're high bias region is single ended rather than balanced. They represent the more evolved designs of a more experienced engineer. 

Unless you're using obscenely inefficient speakers, which you're not, you don't need 250+ watts. I'm listening to 91dB sensitive speakers powered by a 31 watt Pass F5. It's more power than I need. And it sounds excellent. 
ssg308's avatar
ssg308 OP
9 posts
 
So another words there is big difference between say S500 and 250.5?
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