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Integrated amp -- Pass Labs vs Luxman vs McIntosh

I posted a similar query earlier but did not get a lot of responses unfortunately. As mentioned before, my speakers are Sonus Faber Olympica II, currently driven by Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, in a 20x15 dedicated media room. As an aside, I’m already working with GIK acoustics to treat the room. As much as I love the Cronus Magnum II, it’s clearly struggling with the speakers and room dimensions. I have been doing some research and narrowed my choices to the following (Note: mostly looking for used since my budget is $5 - 6k max)

Pass Labs INT-60 -- love the fact that the first 30 watts are all Class A; these don’t come up for sale often though. I’ve heard that these are as close to the tube sound one can get without compromising what makes SS great. I listened to INT-150 a couple of years ago and was really impressed. From what I’ve read, the 60s are clearly a step up in every way. Besides, I’ve always been fascinated by Pass Labs.

Luxman 590AXII -- I have yet to read anything negative about these. I like the fact that they are a class A design. Unfortunately, the only Luxmans I’ve listened to were 20+ years old and did not leave much of an impression (polite to a fault).

McIntosh MA352 -- A friend has the smaller brother, MA252, which I really like but not sure if they have enough juice to drive my speakers. None of the dealers near me carry the MA352 so I have to rely on feedback alone. I like the fact that this is a hybrid.

Another suggestion from a dealer is Naim SuperNait 3, but honestly I don’t know if it competes in the same playground as the aforementioned amps.

My goal is to find a nice balance between the strengths of tubes and SS -- retain good 3D soundstage, instrument separation, midrange magic, but not at the expense of bass and dynamics. I do understand that I cannot expect an SS, regardless of class A or not, to have the same lush, holographic presentation of tube amps, but want something that gets as close as possible.

I would love to listen from owners or people who have heard the amps before. Since I’m buying used, I will not have the opportunity to return them so due diligence is necessary.




128x128arafiq
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,129 posts
 
The coda CSib integrated is a #8 amplifier and a scaled down #7 class A preamp 
for $6500. I have compared with several marks in the $8-$10 range like the top Luxman, 600 series moon, McIntosh , and not having the big commercial name 
and more industrial looking the money spent is inside on parts where it counts 
Just lookatthe 3k va transformer and potted for lower noise and RF noise rejection nothing even close just for an example in the$10k range .
the passlabs 60 integrated is class a and warmer musically slightly warmer the neutral the Coda I thought an exceptionally good sounding integrated with totally independant class A preamp section  is very natural and abestbuy imo.hats probably why Stereo Times gave it a best of 2020 award.
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
I got nothing against coda but yysantabarbara had the coda integrated you mention, had the krell 300i at same time, ..... and sold the coda. He kept if for only a couple of months. ymmv.

Plenty of units under $10k will beat the coda for many people - all depends on preferences. For you coda may very well be the best in that range. Everyone hears differently.
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
arafiq...I think you made a nice choice going with solid state amp. The ARC amps are fantastic and sound great with SF but don't have the needed current/volts to control the bottom end of Sonus Faber.  I am not sure the impedance curve on the Olympica II but my Olympica III dip down to 2 ohms from 80-120hz.  I ended up selling my Ref110 and purchasing a Pass Labs X150.8. I loved the Ref110 but was ready to try something different. I started a thread in the Speaker forum and solid state was recommended even though I had pretty much made up my mind on a Ref150. I had actually bought a Ref150 but had to send it back due to issues with it and that is how I ended up with the Pass 150.8. 
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Yeah with that ARC GSi and the Luxman 590 those are two amazing options.  Glad you got to hear both and kept the one you prefer
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,661 posts
 
It was actually a tough decision choosing between ARC and Luxman. I still miss the palpability, smoothness, and the rich sound of the GSi75. But in the end, it just didn’t have the visceral qualities, especially the tight punch in the bass area, that I was looking for. The Luxman ticked all the boxes for me, and I continue to enjoy the music it produces. Of course, the beautiful fit and finish plus the VU meters, while inconsequential for sound reproduction, adds to my enjoyment.

Having said that, I still very much remain interested in trying out the Pass Labs INT-60 some day. From what I’ve read, it retains most of the positive characteristics of Luxman, but adds more tubiness (warmth?) and muscularity to the sound. So in a way, it probably bridges the gap between the ARC GSi75 and Luxman. I have flirted with the idea of selling the Luxman and buying the Pass Labs, but the Luxman has not given me a single reason to be dissatisfied. I don’t want to regret the decision. So the plan is to save up enough to buy the Pass Labs next year and keep both in my systems. If I really like the Pass, I might sell my Raven Audio Blackhawk instead. Probably for the first time in my audio journey, I have developed an emotional connection with a piece of equipment (Luxman) where it’s hard to part ways with it ... at least for now.

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