2. amps-preamps
  3. 1247411701

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
 
Not sure there is a Reno conspiracy (actually I'm sure there
isn't), just what appears to be satisfied customers with the
service provided. I've bought an XA30.5 and Aleph J, and
maybe a J2 soon, and if I am not happy with it, an easy
trade-in policy (a home evaluation with my equipment and
room if you will); seems to be a good business model, and
now Audiofeil seems to be part of this distribution channel
with First Watt gear. Now the question is where does your
anti-Reno Animus come from. You own a brick and mortar? If
so, I suggest you get a website up, 60-70% of some stores
come from their internet channel. If not that, then why
complain when others recommend a vendor for providing good
service. If Tvad were the only one, you would quickly hear
from others of what a piece of S%&t Reno was, and all the
bad experiences some have had. It doesn't happen. Why? I
think it is obvious. But really, the Reno issue isn't very
interesting. Much more interesting is which of the wonderful
Pass/First Watt products to buy. Why? When seeking SS,
Pass/First Watt must be on anyone's shortlist of products to
consider.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Let's keep the forums to discussion about sonic qualities and answering the post rather than trying to get your pal another sale.
Tpk123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Mark Sammut at Reno HiFi is not a pal. He's simply a dealer with whom I've had three telephone conversations and from whom I've purchase some Pass Labs amps and a Pass Labs phono preamp for evaluation.

At no time did I receive any special treatment or discount other than what he typically offers his customers.
rtn1
535 posts
 
Tpk123, OK. That made me laugh.

And it's not just the beer talking!
tvad
9,467 posts
 
02-04-11: Tpk123
Tvad,

Local could be regional so you can forget your little tax scenario.
Not sure how one defines local versus regional when discussing high end audio dealers since there are so few, but to be specific, I am discussing purchases made in-state versus across state lines.

Not sure your affiliation with Reno but this is getting out of control.
Tpk123 (Threads | Answers | This Thread)
I am a customer.

You seem to have a bone to pick, Tpk123, as if you are a Pass Labs dealer, or as if you have an allegiance to a Pass Labs dealer whom you think is being ignored by the recommendations.

Feel free to recommend your favorite Pas Labs dealer, as we all can.
tpk123
61 posts
 
No Peterslayer, that was a shameful plug.
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