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

Hello, I am new to this forum and my mother tongue is not English, so please forgive me if I make mistakes as I use a translator.

I recently bought an XA30.8 and an XP12. I was very happy but as time went by I began to not feel comfortable with the sound.
After doing many tests, I find that the XA30.8 sounds very very sweet but actually too much. I find it to be a loosely defined amp, somewhat muddy and lacks a lot of air and grip. The soundstage is very closed.

The XP-12 is the worst of the two. It is a previous that removes a lot of resolution and information, without transient attacks and sunken mid frequencies. Instead it brings warmth.

Has anyone of you found the same?

If you ask me, I have a Klipsch Cornwall and a dCS BArtok.

Now I want a capable amp, forceful, something warm, decisive, airy and with a great soundstage.

At first I thought of changing my XA30.8 for X250.8, and changing the XP-12 for a second-hand Audio Research Ref5. I am afraid of this change and continue with Pass, since I can go back to the same thing a bit.

On the other hand I have thought of going for a Luxman 900 combo, since it has very good reviews and from what I have read it could be the winning ticket.
opm
mikem
260 posts
 
@jetter
my pleasure.. I’m addicted to the music !! Glad to share..
I had the XA25 on an amp stand between the speakers, so it gets lots of breathing room. the heat sinks get quite warm, but it doesn’t heat up the room.. I live in NC and it was easy to live with in the summer. It really is a wonderful amp, using only 2 output devices per side vs 20 per side in the 30.8
Its not just an entry model, it’s based on a different output device that is simpler and require less supporting circuitry.. it’s a gem ! Good luck !
mikem
260 posts
 
@jetter  It’s easier to justify your purchase when you liquidate something to offset the cost..  I already have 2 preamps, CD player, countless tubes and cables sitting unused that need to be gone..  yet I feel compelled to keep it all..  it’s a sickness. I had the XP12 for a couple months and the dealer took it back for full amount towards the 22. Was too easy.. and tricky thinking I ONLY had to pay the difference..  lol.. I’m an audiophool ! But wise enough to know, to enjoy it while you can.. 
phd
1,316 posts
 
mikem, I thought I was the only one that was called an audiophool. I guess thats the way we all start off.
papaned
17 posts
 
I had the XP-10 and now the XP-12. These preamps are superb and sound way above their price. I had the XA 30.5 for a few years and replaced it with a Bryston 3B cubed which paired beautifully as a class A/B amp with the Pass preamp. If anything, your problem is with your amp/speakers, definitely not the preamp.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
"Get a KT88-powered tube amp."

lol. I have to agree. I have a good old MC275 and my search has been over for years.  However, I do like Pass Labs Preamps, especially their older ones.  keep the pass preamp and Get a MC240, MC275, MC 30's, MC225 etc.  lol
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