Need a modern Class A monoblock, preferably half or compact chassis


Anyone here know anyone that might know if something like this may be available before year end. I am currently ampless, beginning to suffer withdrawls…wishing for Pass Labs to release an XA30.8 like powered amp, split into 2/3 scale monoblocks with xs or xa or ?? designator with Balanced Input.

XA60.8 is the logical choice if nothing shows up this year, but until I pull the trigger, alien monoblocks could distract me, for instance Valvet A4.5, from getting what I truly desire.  

The current XA30.8 is the dream split into a modern Pass Labs monoblock.

FW is too focused and limiting to consider.

Anyone know of this possibility on the horizion for an XA30.88

sayas

I would never be ampless.  I have 4 amps sitting here waiting to sell and oe on order.  buy something used that you can listen to and resell whenever you feel like it wtih minimal loss.

Jerry

If you really want monoblock amps I highly doubt you’d be unhappy with the Valvets.  Choices, choices.

I'm thinking of my friend who spent years trying to decide what motorcycle to get, without ever even getting his license.  He ended up getting married and never ever getting on the road. 

This sounds kind of like that, only you seem to be pining for something that doesn't even exist yet.  I can think of a dozen brands that are a lot better than no music at all.

Erik, loved riding motorcycles on tracks like Barber, Miller and ThunderHIll, no licence necessary.

True, I want something that isn't available, but after having Alephs and an .8 it is tough to accept less involved experience.  When you consider the progress of PL, few other manufacturers match their universe.

FWIW I currenlty own more than 82 days of curated music that plays first thing each morning through a Yamaha 4000.  In my world, maximizing life is about best choices and getting to the marrow.

Still like the idea of an one box XA30.8M

Maybe best to ask Pass Labs directly, but in the meantime it’s likely best not to spend much energy in pining for an imaginary product.

soix, agreed, the Valvet seem valid, reminding me of Alephs or British Fidelity A1, sweet sounds no doubt.  I like the idea of silver wiring that may help speed up the amp... without hearing Valvet it is an obvious crapshoot to my bias.

@carlsbad2 I would never be ampless. I have 4 amps sitting here waiting to sell and oe on order. buy something used that you can listen to and resell whenever you feel like it wtih minimal loss.

 

You just made me feel better about having other nice amps sitting here.

Have no reason to sell or buy another, all is great, yet might do it anyhow, LOL!

 

 

 

Just get a pair of 60.8s. Pass is highly unlikely to release a smaller form factor amplifier. It would require retooling the metalwork for just one model that would probably have limited appeal anyway and the tooling cost would have to be reflected in the price as well.

What about 2 Benchmark amps? No heat, 1/2 size, Lots of power with Class A like sound.

Some options:

Sugden A21 SE Signature. Standard rack width, height about 4 in. Depth about 12 in (as with any class A, you will need air around it. Integrated.

Musical Fidelity A1 (new version) rack width, height 3 in. Integrated.

Schiit Audio Aegir 2: 30W @ 8R stereo, 100W @ 8R mono. Needs a preamp (which they also make several). Compact, 9x13x3 7/8"

Modern... class A? You can get a great pair of Monarchy 100SEs to tied you over

while you weigh your Class-A options, get yourself a pair of these to hold you over... https://www.buckeyeamp.com/shop/amplifiers/purifi/1et7040sa/monoblock

 

I have their 3channel 400A Purifi and a pair of these 704 Purifi monoblocks.... price to performance ratio is hard to believe once you hear them (or "don’t hear them") I feed them from a BAT/Balanced Audio Technology preamp via XLR and the auto-turn-on feature is a bonus.

who has experience with Valvet A4 monoblocks?

I like the compact format vs Westminster REI stratosphere.

The Clayton are of interest except for their age and lack of a stand by switch and then there is the price, seems steep for a 17 year old design that may need capacitors and ???

Still hoping for Pass to release XA30.8leph monoblock

seems steep for a 17 year old design that may need capacitors and ???

They were built in 2021 so only a few years old.  BTW the price is in Canadian $ and would equate to about $7200 USD and is probably negotiable.  Doesn’t have a standby switch, but does Pass?  FWIW.

See Vera-fi Audio LLC 40w pure class A $1599

 

"The heart of the amplifier is a 40W true Class A amp (never operates outside of Class A) designed by Hugh Dean. based on the Alpha Nirvana amp topology, which provides a beautiful harmonic profile, clean and clear sound with low distortion, slamming bass from low negative feedback circuit, and a background that is absolutely quiet and noise free for the blackest of black notes.  Most of all though, the Alpha Nirvana topology makes your toes want to tap, and your heart race,..."