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Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else

Hello, I am new to this forum and my mother tongue is not English, so please forgive me if I make mistakes as I use a translator.

I recently bought an XA30.8 and an XP12. I was very happy but as time went by I began to not feel comfortable with the sound.
After doing many tests, I find that the XA30.8 sounds very very sweet but actually too much. I find it to be a loosely defined amp, somewhat muddy and lacks a lot of air and grip. The soundstage is very closed.

The XP-12 is the worst of the two. It is a previous that removes a lot of resolution and information, without transient attacks and sunken mid frequencies. Instead it brings warmth.

Has anyone of you found the same?

If you ask me, I have a Klipsch Cornwall and a dCS BArtok.

Now I want a capable amp, forceful, something warm, decisive, airy and with a great soundstage.

At first I thought of changing my XA30.8 for X250.8, and changing the XP-12 for a second-hand Audio Research Ref5. I am afraid of this change and continue with Pass, since I can go back to the same thing a bit.

On the other hand I have thought of going for a Luxman 900 combo, since it has very good reviews and from what I have read it could be the winning ticket.
opm
opm OP
40 posts
 
Correcto. Creo que es el paso más sensato. aun así, la serie xa tiene serios problemas de fuerza y ​​definición.
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cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
I'm with @unsound.  This conversation is not worthwhile if you're changing speakers.  System synergy is the critical factor.  I've heard gear sound terrible on one system and spectacular on another.  

Once you buy new speakers, start a new thread and ask for recommendations.  Then send that list to the speaker manufacturer and ask if they've got any favorites from the list, or any others you should really audition.  I don't think enough people use their manufacturers' knowledge to maximize their outcomes.
kfscoll
36 posts
 
I have Cornwall IVs paired with a PrimaLuna EVO 400 integrated...it’s a match made in heaven if you ask me.
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 
what version of Cornwall's do you have? if its the older ones that's probably your issue they were not great at detail. if its the mk4's I'd suggest a Tube amp like the LTA linier tube audio, Finale Audio /Triode labs. Luxman is another good suggestion I'd stick with their class A amps though. 

 you do not need the power of those big Pass amps X250.8 waist of money regardless of what others here say. the heritage line are quite efficient and do not need a lot of power to come alive.

I've had Heresy 3, Cornwall 3, and now LaScala's all similar and all very good with the right amplifiers. if you have older Cornwall's i recommend you look at upgrading the crossover to bring the crossover point down to 4500hz from the 6khz you will need to upgrade the tweeter as well if you go this way. google Bob Crites for more information on Klipsch upgrades, there's others but he seems to be the most common and reasonable  pricing.  the new ones have this already. 

I've tried some M60 Atmas-phere amps and they are lovely but for high efficiency i found them a little noisy could have been tubes though.





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