Disappointment with Pass Labs - I'm looking for something else

Creo que puede encontrar Luxman demasiado cálido y falto de ese último detalle, por lo que dice sobre su Pase. Los amplificadores Vitus pueden ser buenos para usted, si están disponibles en su país. Superan algunos de los aspectos negativos que describe en los Pass Amps, y lo hacen sin sonar nunca demasiado "secos" y demasiado analíticos, como lo hace De Agostini a veces. El SIA-025 integrado es de Clase A y suena excelente, pero si está por encima de su presupuesto, la gama Reference tiene una muy buena opción integrada y pre / power.

excellent answer. I'll keep it in mind

That's why we have an game because very seldom does one amp fits all. I wanted a Krell amp really bad but when I called Krell they said they would love to sell me one of their amps but with my horn-loaded speakers, it would be the kiss of death.

Likely speaker-amp mismatch. If you intend to upgrade the Klipsch Cornwall to another speaker, then focus on the speaker first and not the amp. If you want to retain the Pass Labs, then find a speaker which you like that sounds great with the Pass.

I really appreciate every answer.

I get many responses "the problem is the Klipsch".
It seems that to some the Pass XA30.8 and XP-12 are perfect, and since they are, do I have to change my speakers to match my Pass well?
Let me clear things up:

The problem is not the Klipsch. I love this speaker. I know it is not the best definition. Is the speaker going to die? No. Is it the best? No. Does it sound better with tubes? It depends on everyone's taste.
I have tried various electronics with the Klipsch and the Pass has been the best in the mid-range but the most boring of all. Klipsch are not boring speakers, and nobody buys klipsch to sound boring. Do you understand now why the problem is not Klipsch?

I am not asking for help on how to configure my system or how to find synergies. Forget the Klipschs, please.

I only commented on my findings after a while with the XA30.8 and XP12 to share with others and if anyone had found the same findings and what electronics I had fixed it with.

So, there are several options:

1st- Choose a X250.8 and an ARC Ref5.
Can anyone comment on the differences between the X series and the XA? I don't know if it will solve things to continue with Pass. I have read that ARC ref preamps have a lot of resolution.

2º- Forget the Pass and change the electronics.
Luxman 900 series, Gryphon, Vitus, Spectral, etc ...

Almost all tube amps I've heard have never quite convinced me because I find them slow, not very sharp but very enjoyable. Perhaps that was the reason for opting for Pass Labs XA. I thought that would be the solution. It was a mistake.

This thread has been very illuminating / instructive. It ought to be required reading for all audio hobbyists.

Klipsch loudspeakers are a known quantity. They’ve been around for a long time and because of that, and because they have always represented a good value, it seems that many audiophiles have owned them at some point in their audio career—especially early on. That includes me.

So there’s a striking degree of recognition among the folks responding to your post when they read your description of how the Cornwalls sound with the Pass electronics:

The amp, you say sounds

"somewhat muddy and lacks a lot of air and grip. The soundstage is very closed."

And the preamp

"removes a lot of resolution and information, without transient attacks and sunken mid frequencies. Instead it brings warmth."

That’s how Klipsch loudspeakers sound! The Klipsch sound is vivid, bold, and dramatic but I don’t think many would consider it especially refined. The Pass gear is exceptionally neutral and tells this truth well.That’s why there’s been a consensus that you need to listen to different speakers.

There’s clearly a lot about the Cornwalls that you like and that’s fine. There’s a reason they’ve been around for 75 years. But you are recognizing their deficiencies and looking for a way to "fix" those shortcomings with electronics that will somehow compensate. This won’t end well.