Are Pass Labs amps probably the best ever you can buy ?


I have about 15k to spend on an amp/preamp/integrated amp.

I mostly listen to smooth jazz like Dave Koz, Rippingtons, Brian Culbertson etc.... and loud.

I have yet to hear any amp that comes close to Pass Labs.

Your experiences pls ?
128x128cakyol
I had to check the date to be sure this wasn't an old, resurrected thread.


There are a number of amps at the Pass price point I like better, and even a number of less expensive amps I like better. I agree that Pass sounds different, and for the right person with the right speakers they make buyers very happy. From what I've read, of those who have been generous enough to share with me their buying history and experience, the speakers can make a big difference as to whether Pass is "the best" or not.  Tannoy is one of the brands I hear Pass lovers like to use, so this may be a good guide.


My advice to anyone looking at Pass is to use your own ears and compare them with Ayre and Luxman. These three amp brands sound very different, so they'll give a buyer a really nice survey of the land.
Have to agree with Eric, use YOUR own ears and decide. Pass is not what I find to my liking, although good it can be a bit sterile to me. But to YOU it just might tick off all the boxes.
I owned a Pass Labs X350.5 amp and preamp for years. One day I tried tube mono blocks and ended up selling the Pass Equipment.

ozzy
I would say that Pass Lab's products are certainly up there with the best of the best. There will be an infinity of opinions regarding what is "the best". There are currently just so many top shelf products out there. I just auditioned seven of the best integrated amps in their price range and I would be extremely happy to own any of those seven amps. They ALL sounded different but amazing in their own way. The Pass Labs int 60 was one of those amps and, IMHO, it sounded absolutely incredible. So did the other amps. But the int 60 was one of my top two picks after a full day of auditions.
How anyone can say a certain Pass amp or any amp in general sounds thin without discussing speakers, preamps, sources or cables has no credibility.