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What are the weak points of Pass amps and pre-amps ?

Though there are perhaps better transistor amps, but Pass seems to be an excellent choice for many.
What is your experience with them, if you could elaborate ? Integrateds as well.
inna
unsound
7,329 posts
 

IMHO:

 expensive,

 heavy,

 inefficient,

 large,

not ideally suited to sub 4 Ohm loads,

 added cost, light distracting, extra parts meters, (which again IMHO) I don't have confidence in the accuracy of,

 confusing power specs,

leaning on the warm side of neutral,

Not at the top, but certainly on my shortlist of favorite amps.


dep14
336 posts
 
So if I had to absolutely nitpick...

250.8 - runs warm, no question it warms my room up.  Not horribly so, but it does.

May not be the absolute best at top end resolution and sparkle.

I've heard Class D amps that are a bit punchier in the bass, a shade tighter.

You can get a similar sounding amp with similar specs (BAT) for a bit less money though the specs may differ a bit.

Bias meter more for show, though it's nice to have an idea when it might be moving out of Class A operation.  Plus it looks cool.
jetter
3,035 posts
 
I have never heard a Pass amp.  But I wish someone would come up with some serious weak points so I won't feel I absolutely have to have a XA25.
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
A friend owned Pass gear. Sounded great with his system. He passed away; so much I miss him and his love for audio.
jetter
3,035 posts
 
Celander, sorry to hear about your friend.
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