Quandary

rvpiano

I'd also see if you have a CODA dealer near you (I know that there are not a lot), that would lend you a CODA S5.5.....Doug Dale (owner and designer) is also of the Threshold background as it Nelson Pass. 50 WPC all class A, 100 amps peak current.....best SS amp I've personally ever heard, and certainly owned

If you can get one on loan, I think it'd be well worth the time to audition one. They are really hot right now (I have had mine for about 2 months), since they released the latest version late last year. Reviews are magnificent, and fully in line with my own experience

@rvpiano

It’s your money, may be worth it to you. While $300 might seem excessive, relative to the cost of swapping components in and out to elevate your system (ie shipping costs) this amount seems small. Also, dealer support might be a good thing.

From the dealer’s point of view, I can understand their hesitant to loan out expensive gear for trial - the effort, time, risk of customer abusement, and cost to transport and maybe set up for free to any customer asking may not be worth it to them. They’d rather have a more serious/committed customer with a reasonable chance of a sale in which they would be compensated for their efforts, and not merely satisfying a potential customer’s curiosity.

Maybe the dealer is willing to give you $300 credit for anything else he sells if you don't like the amp. I'm a big fan of win-win.  

Pass amps are special. I own pass x150 and over the years have heard many other brands amps.

I have not heard your benchmark amp but if you need (have the itch) for neutral transparent musical sound the Pass will deliver.

A little surprised at how much your dealer wants for the audition though, I must say.

OP….. you need help…. buy Pass Labs gear…. From some other dealer who won’t charge you $300 for the “advice”

I know I posted on this thread but cannot find my post and I do not recall deleting it at all. Anyway, as this thread continues, it is apparent the great differences of opinion. Two expensive and heavy 100 lb amplifiers delivered, set up, evaluation time given, and then the reverse. Come pick them up and reconnect the 13 pounder. The store owner is paying someone to do this, or he is doing this himself. Either way, it is a cost to the store owner, in money and time. It is also presenting the possibility of something happening to the mono blocks, as a scratch/dent can occur. This is no different than buying an amplifier with a 10-15 % restocking fee’. It is truly an individual decision, as there is no right or wrong. In my original post, I did indicate it was not fair with the mono blocks being sent, pretending they would mirror the single chassis amp. Not happening, although you must consider rvpiano's speakers have powered low frequency drivers, so any amp will not work as hard as driving full range. I went to people’s homes for years, as my expertise was invited to discuss improvements and upgrades. I did collect a consultation fee, which was discussed in advance. As I was not a dealer (but did business with dealers), my time was valuable. This was and still is, the way it is (not specifically me, as I am retired). As a consumer you either participate or you don’t. I rotate power amplifiers like people rotate socks, so they are an important ingredient to the presentation I am looking for. Just my 2cents. Enjoy ! MrD.