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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
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.

ryder
1,689 posts
 
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.

Do keep us posted on the Luxman L-590AXII vs Pass Labs INT-60 if you happen to have both in your system for comparison. I am sure many people would be interested on the outcome. 😁
yyzsantabarbara
4,782 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.
I now have the CODA 07x preamp + CODA #8. I sold the CODA CSiB and kept the KRELL because the KRELL had more features that I could use, internal DAC, HDMI, etc.

People are saying the CSiB is very close in sound to the CODA separates. On my power hungry Thiel CS3.7 I find the separates are much better than the CSiB. In fact, this is the best sound I ever got from these very hard to drive speakers.

The CODA separates sound like a mix of the KRELL K-300i and the Benchmark AHB2. Very detailed, smooth, "wet", and powerful. I have the AHB2 also connected to the CODA 07x preamp (it has 2 sets of XLR outputs) and use them for RAAL SR1a headphones. The CODA and AHB2 are a great pairing with the proper matching speaker. The Thiels are too power hungry for AHB2 in stereo and mono. It is not a bad pairing just not the best.
audiofound
81 posts
 
Those three names produce some of the finest sounding amps made. Therefore, I'd have to refer you right back to your own ears and let them be your guide, if you're able to audition them. Buy what YOUR ears like best. I've auditioned amps from all that the OP mentioned above and loved them all. I ended up with the Pass Labs int 250 and haven't looked back. Absolutely sublime amp. But so are the others.

And for the poster above wondering about Naim. I've auditioned the Supernait 3 and it is every bit the amp that the other three brands are. Naim makes top shelf stuff. True high end (British) audiophile components. You're doing yourself a disservice if you overlook them. 

Pretty much all brands mentioned above are outstanding. Sound "quality" is not likely to be an issue with any brands mentioned in this thread. It's sound preference and what sounds best to YOUR ears.
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