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The imperfect amp: Pass or Ayre?

There are two high end SS amp brands which, from a technical perspective, don’t do very well, which I am thinking of:

Ayre and Pass.

Pass has stated that even ordered distortion is euphonic. Ayre’s zero feedback, diamond circuit has a great deal of distortion compared to the very best measuring amps.

I have to admit, that like an IPA vs. a Belgian White, I have a very strong preference, but my preference is not canon. It is just how my wallet moves me. You should in no way feel like my tastes matter. Buy what makes you giddy with joy.

Would you, kind lady or gentleman, tell us if you have heard both, what did you think?? Is this to narrow? Would you throw another brand into the ring??
erik_squires
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
From Nelson Pass, "I have numerous designs using ZGNFB"
This is zero "global" negative feedback, just like Ayre is trying to make you believe by shortening it and saying Zero Feedback.
Both will then have to be using a "local feedback loop" around the front end of the amp.
It’s advertising BS by Ayre to say "no Feedback!" on a solid state amp.
Any difference in amps sound will be because of other factors if they both have either global or local feed backs.

This thread seem again to be fishing for Pass bashing ammo yet again.
You give no tech reason behind wanting to denigrate it, just hoping that fishing for a reason, someone will present one for you.

And BTW bashing "God" (NP) is blasphemous.

Cheers George
shannere
82 posts
 
Yes we know you don't like Pass Labs.  Is this thread just another  to validate your opinion or another attempt to be controversial?
mrdecibel
3,062 posts
 
I am beginning to see a pattern.....I have a question, which maybe, this one, you can answer ? With all of the threads started by you, Mr. Eric, when do you have time to listen to, and enjoy, music. ........And I suppose, you thought I was alone.....
erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
Weird how my own preferences cause so many people to act so butt hurt. Actually, gentlemen, if I am allowed to use the term, my question is more about WHY.


Both Pass and Ayre are two amps which eschew technical perfection.


Both Ayre and Pass stand in contrast to say, the Halcro amplifiers, which were famous for their absolute dominance in technical terms.  Ayre and Pass however have ended with different followers.


Compared to an ideal SS amp, both Pass and Ayre are absolute failures, with different followings. Aren't you curious why?


I am.

So yes, I am asking the same question in different ways. No, I don't intend to prove a brand is better than another, that's for the buyer. I don't care. I truly do not. I do care more about why. What kind of imperfections are we drawn to?

erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
mrdecibel - You may pay for my answer with meaningful contributions and not selling cables.

When you have done so, I'll bother.
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