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I like my Peachtree Nova300 more than my new (to me) Pass XA30.5 HELP!

I recently acquired a Pass XA30.5.  I have a LTA MZ2 on order to match with it, but in the meantime, I hooked it up to the preamp section of my Peachtree Nova300 using SE inputs/outputs.  I have Tekton Electron SE speakers and a Cambridge Audio CXC transport.  I found the sound of the Pass to be wooly, rolled off on the highs and not as clear or articulate as the Peachtree as an integrated.  There was a richness and liquidity to the sound but I lost detail and fidelity.  Am I doing something wrong?  Is the preamp section in the Peachtree not a good match with the Pass amp?  Is using the SE outputs severely compromising the SQ? I've read so many great things about the Pass XA30.5 and though it sounded good, I was kind of disappointed.  There was a trade-off with the Peachtree that I don't think I'm willing to make.  Anyone have any pointers or thoughts?

thanks!
adam8179
adam8179 OP
68 posts
 
Thanks for everyone's input and interest.  I have an update. My LTA MZ2 arrived yesterday and I have it installed in my system with the Pass XA30.5.  Wow!! this combo is wonderful.  All the things I found lacking using the Peachtree as a preamp are gone.  No more congested heaviness.  I don't know what to ascribe this to but I couldn't be happier.  I still think the Peachtree is a great integrated and a great all-in-one product, but now the Pass and LTA combo are in a whole other league.  I've never heard things sound so good.  There are more details in the highs with the Peachtree but the Pass and LTA are better in every other way, soundstage, timbre, presence and liquidity.  It's not that the highs aren't there, it's just a crispness that's different and may be a characteristic of class D.  I'm glad that I didn't pass judgement on the Pass amp before I got an appropriate pre-amp to pair it with 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Congrats for hanging in there. Try the linear power supply; you'll think you have the ultimate. No, many more changes/improvements possible. :) 


dougsat
374 posts
 
Excellent - glad it all worked out, enjoy the music! 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
adam8179 OP
It’s not that the highs aren’t there, it’s just a crispness that’s different and may be a characteristic of class-D

I think it could be explained better that the highs from the Pass XA30.5 would wash over you with it’s detailed sound without drawing attention to it self, rather than being fired directly at you from the tweeters with the Class-D. One makes the tweeters disappear the other doesn’t. That’s what linear Class-A does when it’s doing it right. .
Good to see it worked out, like Almarg and I both said you must have had either a faulty XA30.5 or it was something in the setup.

Cheers George
photomax
169 posts
 
Very pleased this thread got revived with a great outcome to report!!!
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