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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
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.


onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,200 posts
 
Stop with the nonsense about technical imperfections!  Both amplifiers measure quite well on traditional bench test protocols.  They are both low noise and low distortion amps that meet their specifications.
f917025
81 posts
 
looks like buyer's remorse
too bad mate. many amp brands out there that will suit your taste better 
try using your ears they will never fool you. that pseudo scientific approach is what got you to this state of confusion.i can imagine that now you can choose the best amp only by looking at it's thd ...yeah right. 
if you would only buy what sounds best to you than you wouldn't need specs or audio forums to make you feel better about it. i also understand the heroes that try to inform us of the bullshit products that exist but in this case both brands are so loved by audiophiles that nothing you will say can hurt them.     don't trust me trust your ears
 
 
golfnutz
231 posts
 

Looks like 6 TROLLING discussions to me...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/the-imperfect-amp-pass-or-ayre

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/you-ve-tried-other-amps-and-ended-with-pass-please-discuss

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ayre-parasound-pass-where-are-you

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pass-xa200-8-review-fun-measurements

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/spectral-vs-ayre-vs-pass-vs-bryston-comparisons-and-thoughts

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/used-pre-ayre-pass-or-para-jc2


Here's the biggest joke of the century (written by Eric).

For sound quality, I think it’s a better amp than my Parasound A23 and ICEpower 250 AS modules, for identical reasons. It is also better than any Pass amp I’ve heard, for totally different reasons.

Compared to the Pass amps though, it's a totally different story. I find the Pass amps I have heard leaner and frankly, audibly irritating. I’ve heard a very nice set up at an audiophile’s home, and heard many at an audio show near San Francisco where Pass was a sponsor. Whatever it is Pass fanatics rave about it grates on me.

Funny thing is, the Luxman 507ux sounds bright, thin, and dry compared to Pass amps. Audiodrom only gave it a 76%, while the pass int 250 get 92%.

Eric, why do you keep chasing bad sound after bad sound? If you've gotten a Pass Amp at the beginning, you wouldn't be in the situation your in now. Hopefully, you'll be a bit smarter with your next amp purchase (I genuinely mean that too).

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 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.

Stop with the nonsense about technical imperfections!
Eric, why do you keep chasing bad sound after bad sound? If you've gotten a Pass Amp at the beginning, you wouldn't be in the situation your in now.

 Why would anyone "start threads" wanting others to "post up negatives" on a public forum, if not to denigrate that product themselves.
(a passed, Pass scarred man is what I see)

It’s ok if you post up these negatives yourself Eric in debate over Pass amps on threads, but to start threads asking others to do it for you is, well?? a bit like hiding behind the bushes and throwing stones.

Cheers George
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