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I like my Peachtree Nova300 more than my new (to me) Pass XA30.5 HELP!

I recently acquired a Pass XA30.5.  I have a LTA MZ2 on order to match with it, but in the meantime, I hooked it up to the preamp section of my Peachtree Nova300 using SE inputs/outputs.  I have Tekton Electron SE speakers and a Cambridge Audio CXC transport.  I found the sound of the Pass to be wooly, rolled off on the highs and not as clear or articulate as the Peachtree as an integrated.  There was a richness and liquidity to the sound but I lost detail and fidelity.  Am I doing something wrong?  Is the preamp section in the Peachtree not a good match with the Pass amp?  Is using the SE outputs severely compromising the SQ? I've read so many great things about the Pass XA30.5 and though it sounded good, I was kind of disappointed.  There was a trade-off with the Peachtree that I don't think I'm willing to make.  Anyone have any pointers or thoughts?

thanks!
adam8179
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
adam8179
I like my Peachtree Nova300 more than my new (to me) Pass XA30.5 HELP!

Your right to ask for help, there must be something either wrong with the Pass labs XA30.5 or as Almarg said the set-up you had it in.
The importer (who has a very good ear) here in Australia for Peachtree, Krell, Focal, Triangle, MF and other things, excused the sound quality of the Peachtree amp when demo’ing the range of French Triangle speakers to us in his sound lounge of his warehouse He said sorry and would have used the Krell Integrated it’s so much better, but he was out of stock.

Cheers George
gill_92's avatar
gill_92
28 posts
 
Peachtree Nova300 is an awesome amplifier for me.
The sound is pretty good and it looks also cool.
Sometimes it's the mind that pulls bad jokes, as a prestigious brand like Pass cannot be replaced by a similar product... but sometimes the reality is different.
dep14
336 posts
 
I love my Pass labs gear.  But you simply might prefer the peachtree more.  Nothing wrong with that.  If so, spend the money on Roon, tidal/qobuz and be happy.
dougsat
374 posts
 
Hopefully the LTA MZ2 will match up with your new amp and all will be honky dory.

Although I will say this, I am using my Peachtree Nova 150 currently as a preamp only and I think it does a fine job. Folks may not agree -without ever using it or hearing it in that application. 
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I had a Nova150 several years ago and currently run a Pass XA30.8 in my main system today.  The two amps couldn't sound any more different.  I realize we all have different preferences for sound but to me the Peachtree sounded dry, brittle, and 2 dimensional - essentially all the cons that are often attributable to Class D amps (sometimes unfairly IMO).  The Pass on the other hand  is smooth, rich, and downright more musical to my ears - it's not even close.
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