2. amps-preamps
  3. 161539-6055

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.




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jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
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@arafiq

thank you, you are nice to say that

yes please demo an h390 or 590... i have been through sooooo many amps... to me, the big hegels do something extraordinarily right, the top ones are voiced with a touch of warmth along with the tight tuneful full bass control they are famous for, and not the slightest trace of solid state hash or edge - all the detail and air is there but without any artificial emphasis

at the end of the day, their sound and their styling may not work for you, but i highly recommend you should experience it for yourself and decide
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arafiq OP
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There seems to be so much confusion around Hegel and Roon readiness. If I'm buying used, say H390, it has to be able to act as a Roon endpoint without any hassle. I'm surprised a company of this size is still struggling with Roon.
ryder
1,689 posts
 
Third the Luxman L-590AXII. All good recommendations which include the top Hegel integrated and top Pass Labs.

The Luxman will give its best if you use balanced connections (interconnects) and quality power cord. It’s quite sensitive to cabling and will sound better with high quality cables. A smooth sound with a grain and sibilance free presentation of Class A and dynamics and slam of Class AB. The best of both worlds at reasonable cost in comparison to costlier alternatives from the likes of Vitus etc. Highly recommended.
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jjss49
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@arafiq 

you are correct, hegel for some reason has a problem with implementing roon endpoint capability on their gear

i am not a roon user so it hasn't affected me... i don't even use their dac section - just the amp

but i totally get that this may be a deterrent, or even a deal breaker, for some who are roon users
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,661 posts
 
I'm thinking of a slightly different strategy, not sure if this makes sense. But hear me out, and tell me if this might be a better approach ...

I realized that I still have my Cambridge Audio Azur 851D DAC that can act as a preamplifer (volume control). So my plan is as follows: Buy a really nice used power amp (SS Class A by the likes of Luxman, Pass Labs, Audio Research, or anything else that you guys suggest), and drive it with the Cambridge Audio for a few months. When funds become available, buy a tube preamp to replace the CA.

What do you guys think?
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