2. amps-preamps
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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
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Ok, so I got the 3.1 upgrade a year ago, and I am never (did I say that) selling my M60s. But, I still want to have an SS that approaches the quality of my tube gear. So in a way it comes full circle since I feel that Pass or First Watt is the answer. The J2 and M have come out since the last post. Any further thoughts on XA.5/J2/M..... I currently leaning to the J2, but only because of what others have said, I have never heard either of the new First Watt amps. Will any of them come close to the magic of the M60s with my OTL friendly speakers (89db).
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.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Thanks Grant. I've spent a few week driving myself nuts with
reading and talking with AGoners looking for an SS to have in
the mix, but I think the J2 and M2 are the two I will give a
try. My guess is the J2 is more of what I am looking for, but
Mark at Reno Hi Fi makes it easy to try and find the best fit.
Thanks for you help here and in other threads.
tpk123
61 posts
 
All Pass Labs dealers make it very easy to try out Pass Labs gear. You need to call Pass labs and get your LOCAL dealer and work through them. They all offer free in-home demos with no restocking fee and only pay shipping bpth ways. I can't for the life of me figure out why all Pass Labs threads lately are turning into shameless plugs for RENO HiFi?
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.
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