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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
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.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Do Pass dealers carry First Watt? Thought that was limited to Reno and Audiofeil.
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
I don't have a LOCAL Pass dealer. The closest dealer is three to four hours away in a different state and he does not have a lot of stock. He also does not carry my speakers for testing. I have bought many Pass amps and preamps through Mark at Reno HiFi as Pass Labs suggested I do. I also tend to buy demos and used gear from Mark because he offers very generous trade ins. I have been very pleased with the service.

Tpk123, was that a "shameless plug"?
tpk123
61 posts
 
Tvad,

Local could be regional so you can forget your little tax scenario. Not sure your affiliation with Reno but this is getting out of control. Should we all declare Reno the only dealer in the US?
tpk123
61 posts
 
Pubul57, the thread is about the XA30.5. Again, not sure why folks are ruthlessly plugging Reno in thread after thread. Have a look at Tvad's posts in the past week, more than one mention of Reno in more than one post. Let's keep the forums to discussion about sonic qualities and answering the post rather than trying to get your pal another sale.
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