2. amps-preamps
  3. 151558-20253

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
erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
depending on what design you’re focused on, Pass doesn’t just make some of what he does transparent, he makes all of it so. So many of his circuits are totally laid bare for people to read/analyze/copy/modify. His support of DIY makes the high end audio world a better place.


@cal3713 All very true!



zavato's avatar
zavato
1,397 posts
 
1- I truly dislike IPAs to the point I won't touch the stuff. Give me any variety of other beers please. 

2- To my apparently flawed ears, I think Pass makes superb amps and pre-amps

3- haven't heard any Ayre gear in at least a decade so my experience with Ayre is out of date
erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
1- I truly dislike IPAs to the point I won’t touch the stuff. Give me any variety of other beers please.



Which is why it is the perfect analog for this discussion, especially since you are wrong.

(I'm joking!!)

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,895 posts
 
IF I have to drink an IPA it’s always a Bastard Kat from bellingham, but I would rather par boil a dozen brats in IPA than drink the stuff....make sure you add onions too....

does this count as global negative feedback ?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,895 posts
 
actually, it’s feed forward
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