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T+A PA 3100HV vs Pass Labs X350.8

My current gears are:
Revel Salon 2 speakers
Anthem STR Preamp and Moon 390
Mcintosh MC462 Power Amp
I have spent more than a year with the MC462 and I think it was the weakest one on the chain. I want to look for something else to replace The Mc462 and there are some possible choices:
1. Pass Labs X350.8 and Moon 390/Anthem STR as Preamp. I had chance to compare A/B between Mcintosh C2700/MC462 vs Pass X350.8/XP30 at the local dealer on 2018. The Pass Labs was simply much better.
2. T+A PA 3100 HV Integrated which is said to be an excellent amp. I will keep the Moon 390 and use it as DAC/NP by RCA fixed line output if I go this route and will look for better possible replacement later. I also had chance to compare A/B T+A PA3100 HV vs Mcintosh C2700/MC611 on this January. The T+A integrated was the better one.
I cant compare the T+A and Pass in same room because they are from different shops and home demo is not possible in my country.
What do you think is the better choice for my speakers? Hope I can get some help here. Thank you.
mrrui
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@mrrui  I compared the T+A PA 3100 HV and the Pass Labs XA 30.8 in my own system, over an extended period. I own both amps.

My system and room are obviously different than yours, and what we prefer and require may differ as well.

I preferred the T+A PA 3100 HV to my Pass 30.8 by a significant margin.

If you go the Pass route, I highly recommend a power supply / conditioner. The power conditioner I purchased (after I made the switch to the T+A) greatly improved the sonic performance of my XA 30.8 amplifier.

The power conditioner also pushed the performance of the PA 3100 HV upwards, though not to the same extent as I experienced with the XA 30.8

In either scenario (without the power conditioner AND with the power conditioner), I prefered the T+A...again in my system per my preferences and needs.

All the best with your choice.
hegelsjh
16 posts
 
@david_ten 
What power conditioner are you using to improve the performance of the Pass Labs amp?



david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@hegelsjh It was the Synergistic Research PowerCell UEF SE (Black Outlets) with the Galileo UEF AC Cord. [2018 version]


dep14
336 posts
 
Interesting. I love Pass labs, and had the chance to A/B my 250.8 with my now current MC462 along with a C2700 pre-amp. My speakers are very flat measuring, and somewhat demanding like yours.

While there were differences between the 462 and 250.8... they were very small.

The c2700 however, made a much bigger difference in my systems sound. (I had a XP22). I like the built in DAC, and for ME, I dig what the tubes did.

Frankly, I would consider trying a different 2 channel pre-amp with your 462 (I love my 2700 and the built in DAC) before moving from a 462 to the 350.8.

All are excellent, just depends on the flavor you want. For ME, I really dig the McIntosh combo (and I really enjoyed the XP22/250.8 combo also).

hegelsjh
16 posts
 
Thanks David!  Your post caused me to revisit some of the statements made by Nelson Pass about not using power conditioners with his amps.  On second reading, he is just urging caution in choosing the right one to not suppress dynamics.    


david_ten4,439 posts06-06-2021 6:33pm@hegelsjh It was the Synergistic Research PowerCell UEF SE (Black Outlets) with the Galileo UEF AC Cord. [2018 version]
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