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Integrated amp -- Pass Labs vs Luxman vs McIntosh

I posted a similar query earlier but did not get a lot of responses unfortunately. As mentioned before, my speakers are Sonus Faber Olympica II, currently driven by Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, in a 20x15 dedicated media room. As an aside, I’m already working with GIK acoustics to treat the room. As much as I love the Cronus Magnum II, it’s clearly struggling with the speakers and room dimensions. I have been doing some research and narrowed my choices to the following (Note: mostly looking for used since my budget is $5 - 6k max)

Pass Labs INT-60 -- love the fact that the first 30 watts are all Class A; these don’t come up for sale often though. I’ve heard that these are as close to the tube sound one can get without compromising what makes SS great. I listened to INT-150 a couple of years ago and was really impressed. From what I’ve read, the 60s are clearly a step up in every way. Besides, I’ve always been fascinated by Pass Labs.

Luxman 590AXII -- I have yet to read anything negative about these. I like the fact that they are a class A design. Unfortunately, the only Luxmans I’ve listened to were 20+ years old and did not leave much of an impression (polite to a fault).

McIntosh MA352 -- A friend has the smaller brother, MA252, which I really like but not sure if they have enough juice to drive my speakers. None of the dealers near me carry the MA352 so I have to rely on feedback alone. I like the fact that this is a hybrid.

Another suggestion from a dealer is Naim SuperNait 3, but honestly I don’t know if it competes in the same playground as the aforementioned amps.

My goal is to find a nice balance between the strengths of tubes and SS -- retain good 3D soundstage, instrument separation, midrange magic, but not at the expense of bass and dynamics. I do understand that I cannot expect an SS, regardless of class A or not, to have the same lush, holographic presentation of tube amps, but want something that gets as close as possible.

I would love to listen from owners or people who have heard the amps before. Since I’m buying used, I will not have the opportunity to return them so due diligence is necessary.




128x128arafiq
yyzsantabarbara
4,782 posts
 
The new CODA integrated I believe has similar tech as the CODA #8 amp that lot of people are raving about. You should check them out since I think they are giving you a lot bang for the buck. The PASS guy(s) and CODA guy(s) came from the same company.

https://destinationhifi.com/collections/coda-technologies/products/coda-csib-integrated-amplifier?va...

ei001h
283 posts
 
I have SF and believe they sound best with tubes. If you can get your hands on Audio research integrated tube amp you will not regret it. Stay away from hybrid, there is nothing tube like to their sound, just pretty lights. MACs are a good match with SF, but those tube amps are above your budget. I'd stay away from less known amps, they are harder to re-sell. 
romney80
150 posts
 
I am currently using Luxman 590AXII in my system since 6 months or so. I am very happy with it and highly recommend. The class A from this amp is very musical and tube like. I was looking for most of the characters you desired and I think all my boxes are checked. I cannot recommend this amp more. Of course, try to listen them before you buy, but you will have no regrets, even if you buy it blindly. The build, looks, the VU meters, multiple tone controls, and ability to use 2 speakers sets are just an added bonus. I usually change gears a lot, but I think, this will stay for long (unless I get a very good deal on their separates, C900 and M900, which is less likely). Good luck. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,661 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone.

@yyzsantabarbara Surprisingly, I had never heard of the CODA amps up until now. Thanks for the suggestion, will definitely look into it. Wondering how the one you mentioned compares to the Pass Labs INT-60. The biggest difference, at least on paper, is that the CODA does 5 watts in class A, whereas the 60 does 30. Second concern is resale value. 

@ei001h -- Audio Research is definitely something I would love to get in my system, but I'm not sure if there is anything (used) that falls within my price range. Do you mind sharing which one you had in mind?
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