2. home-theater
  3. 999380693

AMPS: PM2000 or Pass X5 or ?

I am assembling what I consider to be my 'last' audio system for a looong time, and I have a bit of a dilemma on the amplifier.

My existing system has a Pass Aleph 3, along with EAD transport and DAC, and Sonic Frontiers preamp, to Hales Concept 3 speakers. My new system is a HT/music system that has an EAD TVP, EAD TM Signature, and an EAD PM1000. (I'm still waiting on delivery of the TM Sig)

Unfortunately, I think I am not satisifed with the performance of the PM1000, and am thinking about moving up to a 'better' amp for this system. The problem is that I am spoiled by the Aleph 3! The PM1000 just isn't as smooth or as clean as the Aleph 3, and I want my 2-channel listening to be better than it is right now. The PM1000 also suffers from an audible hisssss when turned on (not the hummm that comes from power interference).

So, my question is can anyone give me a fair review of the PM2000 compared to the Pass X5, or, compared to an X150 and X3 combo?

In this price range, what other amps would you suggest that are good HT amps, but more importantly, excellent 2-channel amps? I'm in a place where there is no high end audio/HT stores, so I need to do some elimination of options before I go out to try out some amps in the nearest city (Philadelphia, 4 hours away).

One thought that I had was to buy a second Aleph 3, and an Aleph 5, and run the whole system off Alephs. However, I am concerned that the Alephs are not dynamic enough for HT listening.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
mjm6
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
Let me follow up on the initial query, and respond to the comments that 'Avdcreations' and 'lotusmd50' have posted.

I believe the PM1000 is the newer version, but I have a call into the factory to confirm that. It has the older faceplate, but I was told it was the 'last' of the old faceplates to be made, which would make it a 2001 vintage.

I managed to collect a Hales center and rear channel speakers for the system from a few locations, so I have sonically matching speakers for the outfit, and I have a Genesis 928 sub for to package also.

The X3 is an amp to match with the X150 for five channel output. It has three channels, at 150 watts per channel, and costs almost as much as the X150.

One note, I don't like to listen at high levels, so the high power is not really necessary for what I like to do. The PM1000 has more than enough power for the system right now. My question is more about sonics than it is about power.

Can anyone characterize the sound of the X-150 vs. the old Aleph series amps?

Thanks for the thoughts...

---Michael
sqjudge
96 posts
 
I have heard the X series and was blown away. My friend who had it said it was better than the Aleph. I take this guy's opinion seriously! If you like Pass stuff (and I do) stick with it in the HT setup also. If it plays music to your liking then it will do HT just fine and the only place where more power is required for HT is in the sub. Chris
quinntheeskimo
20 posts
 
First comment is to Avdcreations: how can you be a Pass dealer and not know about the X3? Hmmmmm. To enlighten you, the X3 is a 3-channel power amplifier built on the same chassis as the X150 and the X5. It delivers 150 watts into 8 ohms all channels driven, and was designed to mate with the X150 to deliver a multi-channel package with extreme musical fidelity. Pass has been delivering them since last fall.

To answer Michael: The Aleph series amps can be characterized as being as close to a tube sound without having any tubes in the circuit and none of the service problems that typically plague tube designs. They have a midrange characteristics that is lush, full and detailed. The high end is silky smooth with never a trace of hardness or edge. The bass is full and extended. The sound stage is wide and deep. The X series amplifiers can be characterized as ultra quiet and dynamic. They have power and authority and can deliver additional power below 4 ohms, unlike their pure class A counterparts in the Aleph series. The midrange is smooth and detailed as the Aleph, but not quite as lush. It is difficult to distinguish the highs between the Aleph and X series. The bass is deep, controlled and dynamic, and the X series amps are quite versatile with a wide range of loudspeakers, being stable into any speaker load.

Information from a Pass Labs fan.

Best regards,

Quin
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
Quin,

Thanks for the comments! That is the kind of characterizations that are very useful to me. I think I am probably going to get an X-150 for front left and right, and use the Powermaster 1000 for the center, and rear. This will give me the added benefit of having 7 channels available if I wish to go to a 7.1 HT arrangement in the future.

As a serious pass fan since the first time I heard a pair of Aleph 0 amps, and one of the first to get an Aleph 3 (all that I could afford at the time) I have been seduced by the sound. As you say, 'tubes without the problems', and more control in the base.

---Michael
More to discover