Quandary

@mrdecibel Gave a great explanation of what I stated. The PV11 has way too much gain for that Pass amp. If you look at Pass preamps the gain is half (9db) of the PV11. The range of the volume control is useless if it is on the lower end of the dial!

PV11 SPECIFICATIONS Gain: High level 18 dB Output: Maximum 20V Phase: Line stage inverts phase of all inputs. Hum and noise (20Hz-20KHz): Line level:92 dB below 2.5V output Distortion: THD less than.25% IMD less than.25% Output impedance: less than 500 ohms Dimensions: 19"W x 3.5"H x 12.5"D

The sound at times is really quite good. The problem is it gets too loud too soon and there is a blurring of the sound, like it overwhelms the system.I’m going to experiment and listen this weekend with a positive attitude, but I’m afraid I might have to have to pass on buying the Pass.

Interestingly, pop and rock, due to the limited dynamic range, sound wonderful..

@mrdecibel 

Can you recommend a quality amp that will match well with my CJ?    
The Benchmark matches perfectly.   
 Maybe I should just leave well enough alone.

An observation: With the Benchmark I listened for fine detail. The Pass is more homogenized, but in a very nice way.  I’m beginning to get used the Pass sound and liking it more than previously.

I would rotate the Benchmark AHB2, and my CODA #16 for my 2-channel speakers and every time would say that what I was using was currently using was the best combo. I decided that the power and sweetness of the CODA is what I wanted over the super clarity of the AHB2. I also needed to raise cash, so I sold the AHB2. I wish I still had an AHB2 for my headphones which I used with a very warm Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp.

My 2-channel preamps were very neutral so it can get tricky pairing the AHB2 with them.