Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?
I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.
At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.
I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.
I would always flip flop yearly or so between tubes and solid state. I finally came to the realization that I just listen more with tubes. Might not get some of the characteristics of SS that I enjoy but I don't think that perfect middle ground exist for me (yet). Just be careful not to under power your speakers with tubes and nowadays you have to be careful not to buy a tube amp that sound like SS. Good luck, maybe give it some time or borrow some cables or new source? |
@bjesien I don't think the source or cables are limiting anything,.. the source is PS Audio AirLens (via i2s) into a DirectStream Sr (modified). All analog cables are SilverSmith Fidelium and so are the speaker cables. I've been using this setup for years and extremely happy with it.
If I use my little backup amp, Luxman SQ-N150, the sound is very sweet and you can listen for hours, but it's definitely a bit underpowered (you can hear compression at louder passages even if you keep the volume control moderate).
In the perfect world, I would find something like the SQ-N150 but with the power and (most of the) details of the Pass (and the bass of the Pass). |
