Quandary


I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

128x128rvpiano

Unfortunately, he’s not going to leave the Rogue with me. Hopefully I can tell something about it’s character, including the impedance issue, before he brings it back.

The synergy between the Benchmark and the other components in my system is quite good.   
 Unless the Rogue exceeds  Benchmark’s quality, it will be a quick NO.

@mrdecibel 

Well, as I’m sure you predicted, the Benchmark blew away not only the Rogue but a CJ amp he brought over. It blossomed like a beautiful flower. The other two amps sounded dead in comparison. It wasn’t even close!
 As I’ve said, the synergy of my components is outstanding.

@rvpiano , at least you now know. Keep in mind, music and music listening should be an enjoyable and entertaining endeavor. What this means and what I have found by experience with myself as well as others, my mood matters when I listen, before I listen. This is another topic that can be and has been discussed on another thread, in fact. My best Always, MrD.

@rvpiano amplifier is one of the most impactful components in the system and introducing a different amp is a major change. Your system is tuned to the sound you like with the benchmark in your system. That includes all of your cabling. New amp is rarely a plug and play type of component.
You have to be able to hear the potential and commit to making additional changes if you change your amp, including cables and even a preamp. Ultimately it boils down to personal preference. If you don’t miss pass amp when it’s gone, then it’s not for you. 

Sounds like you got a lot of experience for your experiment. The conclusion that comes to my mind is that a major factor in your enjoyment is detail… that is what Benchmark is about… hence a really good choice for you. The Pass and especially  CJ are about carefully walking the line to balance detail, midrange bloom to capture the perspective of music in its venue . Anyway, hopefully you are happy with the experiment. It would have been worth it for me.