McCormack or Pass Labs


Yes, I appear to be waffling on a purchase for those of you checking my posts - guilty as charged.

I am in the process of looking for a new power amp. I thought I had made up my mind on a Pass X-250, but someone put a bug in my ear regarding McCormack products.

Does anyone have an opinion as to how the Pass would stack up against a McCormack DNA-225 or a DNA-2 deluxe with an "A" upgrade?

The 225 I will be able to audition locally, probably against the Pass, but the DNA 2 is, I believe, no longer available new.

Thanks again - I swear I will eventually shut up and buy something!

J
jwilt
I just picked up my Pass X150 earlier this week and finally had some time to compare it directly to my DNA 1 Deluxe for a few hours over the weekend. When compared to the McCormack, the Pass has greater low level resolution, is more detailed without glare or brightness (even at high volumes), has a deeper image and throws a wider soundstage. The Pass also has better bass definition, but not the slam or depth of the McCormack.

My intitial perception was that the Pass X150 was rolled off or soft, not so. I was just used to the forward sound of the McCormack. Also with the McCormack I would have to hunt for the correct volume, the Pass is incredibly consistent and neutral sounding throughout the volume range.

I'll be keeping the Pass. Overall it's a better amp and a good size step up in performance from the McCormack. In this comparison it was only bested by the McCormack in bass slam and depth.
I had both, for a short time, the McCormack DNA-2 RevA & the Pass Labs X-350.
While both are excellent amps,
I preferred the McCormack seemingly complete control and authority over all aspects of the music.
And unless you need a room heater (X-350), the McCormack is also cheaper, cooler, biwire capable, but not as pretty.
Jwilt, when browsing some old posts here on Audiogon I came across one about leaving your Pass Labs amp on all the time. I tried it on my X150 recently and can honestly say that to really hear the full potential of your X250 leave it powered up. At least give it a try, I think you'll be as surprised as I was.

-Dan