Does Threshold equal newer amp designs?

Sean, Plsl hit BINGO on the head. You guys deserve a Cubian Cigar. But no smoking in the audio room. When it comes to analog equpiment, like power amps. There is no need to run out for the newest model. It's like a 50 yr. old Swiss watch. Certain ones are classics and fit under the word "vintage". And then there are some not so good ones. Threshold SA/1's, SA/2's and SA/12's are definitely Vintage. I honestly have not heard better sounding amp over all with the SA/1's; and I've had a number of people tell me the same. And of course I played the game and had about 40 different amps the last 20 years. Including the Pass X-600s, and recently had a Classe' Omege. These two amps are very nice . But they lack "finess". Not getting into details with the SA/1's because I can write a book. The SA/1's have a very unique sound for solid state. The SA/1's have passion , character and warm tones. Where today's amps are lacking that passion of the music, intricate of detail and finess. For the people who have to go out and spend +$30K to try to match the performance of those amps mentioned, ....well good luck. We are not dealing with the latest and greatest home computer - bigger hard drives , increased memory , more ram, etc. The design of the SA/1's is close to being a perfect design if there is such an animal. Just ask Nelso Pass himself about the SA/1's.

Any information regarding these 500 Watt monoblock monsters?
Servicing? When Built? Upgrades? Cables? 2nd hand value? etc.
Currently using with B&W 801s and Kimber Powerchords.
Live in UK nothing like this available near us!!!!!

I have used the Threshold S300 for over ten years and am about to acquire a mint S550e (see earlier thread from me). I have not had nearly as much experience with other amps as some of the writers here, but I used the Mac 352 as a comparison before buying the s550e. I liked the s550 e better. It could be just a Threshold bias, but I really like the strength of the s550e and is just seems effortless in the other regions. To me, it is really revealing without being harsh. And, I think the Pass designed Threshold pieces will always be sought after. Compared to comparable new quality, they are a bargain. Hope this helps.

Some lean toward the 'musical' camp, and some towards the 'detail' camp. Threshold, Classe, Rowland, tend to be 'musical' ss amps. While Krell, Mark Levinson represent the 'detail' camp. It depends on your associated equipment as to what you choose. I'm using a Threshold T 400 currently, IMHO, you can not beat this amp for under $2K. I tend to prefer the older models though, for instance, I felt the Levinson 23.5 was better built, and sounded better than the 33_ series. I also felt that the Classe DR-9 sounded better than the CA-200. I like the older Krells better too. Maybe I'm just nostalgic, or maybe they don't make 'em like they used too.

No, i think that you are right Jmc. Some of these companies feel the need to change products just for the sake of change. It is NOT better, it is just newer. MANY older and original designs ARE better than their "latest & greatest" upgraded models. Taking some of these "antiques" and replacing internal components ( caps, resistors, etc...) with the best that technology currently has to offer brings them LIGHT YEARS beyond what is being offered nowadays by the competition.

As to the Threshold amps, i would not pigeon-hole them into the "musical" camp. These amps reveal a LOT of detail that most other amps gloss over. Some of the amps that you call "detailed" are actually beyond being "detailed" and sound hard, etched and sterile. There is NOTHING musical about the recordings as reproduced through these, as it has been broken down and analyzed to the point that it no longer blends together as a whole.

As i've said before, i think that most of us are walking that "fine line" between seeking "musicality" and "accuracy". So far, i think that some of the Threshold's come very close to being the best of both worlds. Then again, i've never heard some of Steve McCormack's amps, and they too are supposed to do this very well. Like anything else though, personal taste enters into the equation, so you'll have to rely on YOUR ears and likes / dislikes. Sean
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