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.

128x128audiojan

Try using XLR outs from the DirectStream (with RCA adaptors) to INT-25.  Per PS Audio that will give you 6db more gain.

Try an Ayre.

 

Ayre sounds nothing like Luxman or Pass Labs, so weird that Luxman was suggested as an alternative in the same post.

My Ayre V-X5E sounds almost identical to the Pass XA25 but just a tad warmer and with greater headroom and bass. 

@marco1 the INT-25 is single ended, so no way to use balanced output from the DAC into the amp. Using RCA adapters negates the additional 6dB output.

 

@helomech I heard a Ayre AX5 Twenty a few years ago and it was really nice, so that might be an option. Didn’t even thing about that.


I heard a Ayre AX5 Twenty a few years ago and it was really nice, so that might be an option. Didn’t even thing about that.

The AX-5 Twenty is an end-game quality integrated. Lower noise floor than the INT-25 and noise floor matters considerably. 

 

Sorry bout dat.  Wouldn’t be the first time I was thinking ass backwards.  Still think it’s a gain problem though.