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
ostrey93
25 posts
 
Every amp is imperfect. Pass amps just happen to be imperfect in a pleasing way. To my ears they sound amazing with the right speakers. If your goal is neutral reproduction then look elsewhere.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,772 posts
 
I believe John Curl refers to 7th order harmonics as the “devil’s 7th” and attributes a lot of what is heard as harshness to excessive 7th order harmonics.  
This fact has been known since the 1930s and probably earlier. The 3rd edition of the Radiotron Designer's Handbook, published in the 1930s makes mention of this particular fact- and that it has to be in much lower amounts than the lower orders in order for the amplifier to be listenable.

cowan217's avatar
cowan217
112 posts
 
I agree with others responding to this guy's post- endless obvious trolling with an overt agenda to look for issues with Pass products- Just weird frankly.
pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
271 posts
 
Talk about specs?  I own two 45 year old Crown amps. One is the DC 150A series II. The other is a PL One.  I have enjoyed for years the great sound. The specs on the older DC 150 A II will rival some of the best amps made.  Zero phase shift from DC to 50khz.  Distortion very low.  Can drive 2 ohm loads. But the sound is not as good as some other gear like Leveson, Mac, and others  The endeavor for perfection in sound is all between the ears as much as in them.
erik_squires OP
16,021 posts
 
I’ve started 2 threads about Pass.

I’ve solicited details, and pretty much only discouraged posts which lacked specifics of gear and encouraged relative discussions. "I listened to brand x and I ended up with Pass because ..."


Plenty of all pro-Pass threads, which don’t really reach beyond that demo. Or threads asking "What’s the best Pass integrated?" or "I have a Paxx X53, should I get the X60???"


The Pass / Ayre divide is in this sense extremely useful since neither amp attempts absolute technical perfection buyers who have compared the two may have the most to discuss.


In the mean time several interesting people have jumped in at any opportunity to claim intentions which are simply not in evidence in the thread.


But please, call me a troll and fail to participate.


More to discover