2. amps-preamps
  3. 164110-36966

Holographic, 3D Solid State Amp under $6k

Greetings! I’m looking for a $4-6k tube preamp + ~$6k solid state Amp combination - an Amp with Preferably a high impedance inputs, and XLR inputs. I want to combine the holographic, 3D imaging and wide soundstage of a tube preamp to the dynamics, control, and extension of a solid state amp. I’d like to see Class A for the first 10-15W. I’m looking for something that compares sonically with Pass, but I can’t go with Pass again.

I had a demo Pass X250.8 and XP-22 for 1 wk. Sounded beautiful, but the low gain of the XP-22 was too low on several sources to power the X250.8. The Volume had to be turned up to 80/99 for decent levels. Unfortunately, there were also QC issues on the Pass - the hum on the XP-22 was intolerable, and the XLR connectors wobbled on the X250.8. I was told that’s how the XLR plugs are on Pass. It didn’t inspire confidence, so I had to send it back with a restocking fee. So No Pass!
88man
88man OP
28 posts
 
Hi johnto, the XP-22 has a paltry 9dB of gain. The dealer warned me that you have to really turn up the XP-22. However, it couldn’t drive the X250.8 to decent levels unless the volume was 80/99. I tried an Odyssey Tempest Preamp, and a Don Sachs Model 2 Tube Preamp on the X250.8 - Stellar results with much lower gain settings of 25% on each preamp.

It’s sad that the XLR connection is so wobbly on a 100lbs amp, because I would have loved to keep the X250.8. It sounded amazing with a tube front end. The XP-22 was decent, but the hum was intolerable up to 10ft. from the speakers. That’s the problem buying demo equipment, I guess. $14k was no chump change either.
gdnrbob
4,441 posts
 
If you are willing to buy used, then I would suggest and Atmasphere MP-3 and Ayre MX-R monoblocks (non Twenty).
I used them on my Treo's to great acclaim.-And, the XLR inputs are nice and tight.
Unfortunately, they are hard to find used.-but, worth the wait.
Bob
dep14
336 posts
 
I’m calling bullcrap on the Pass issues. Or, that dealer blows, or if that gear was shipped... it was dropped from a decent height.

People may not like Pass gear, and that is up to their ears. But Pass is nothing but responsive and top notch on QC and support.

I’ve owned lots of Pass gear new and used. Never an issue, and Pass is incredibly responsive to questions. IF that unit had issues, at a minimum that dealer would/should not have charged restocked. I’m sure Pass would agree.

250.8/XP22 is spectacular.

Yes, depending on your speaker efficiency you do tend to have to turn pass gear up a bit into the 70/80 range.






Ag insider logo xs@2x
jmarshak
157 posts
 
I’ve had the XP22 and X250.8 combo. I drove Salon2 speakers and Focal Diva utopia with this gear and (although I did need to turn it up a bit like 60/70) did not experience any of other the problems mentioned. If you call Pass directly, they are very good at trying to resolve your issues.

I have no skin in the game, as I don’t own any pass equipment at the moment. I am just saying what my experience with that gear was - great.

Try to call Pass directly if you have not already.

If you are looking for other gear however, you can look at Balanced Audio Technology (BAT). They are also excellent and might be more to you liking. Consider the VK52SE (or the newer VK53SE) preamp used and VK655SE Amp used. You might love this combo.

Good Luck
dep14
336 posts
 
@jmarshak 

Agree, if I didn't own Pass.  BAT would be high on my list.  

My biggest problem with the OP and the Pass comments are that I just don't see any reputable dealer saying "that's just how the XLR plugs are on Pass".

Just using any basic logic, at the prices Pass goes for, they wouldn't sell too many units with wobbly XLR plugs and hum's from the pre-amp.

But, yes BAT - good stuff from all my Demo's, and for a short while I had a VK-200 Solid State amp in my system.  Great amp.
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