2. amps-preamps
  3. 173534-16015

Amplfiers that Sound like Pass 30.8 that are not so heavy

I am moving  to a smaller house and I really need a amp that is not as heavy as the Pass 30.8. Currently it is hooked up to a pair of QLN Prestige 3's with Adrenaline Speaker cables, a SAS 11A preamp recently modified and upgraded and fed by a Pagoda DAC.  I love the sound of this amp with a the tube preamp. But....its just really to heavy for me to move around by myself. And yes I do go to the gym. Also it does put out some heat which is not the coolest thing in Florida. Any ideas on an amp that would be a good substitute for the 30.8's would really be appreciated.  My listening prefernces lean toward transparency and holographic instrument presentation. Thank all of you for your help and direction on my question. Best wishes to all for a healthy, safe and peaceful New Year.

char1
tvflem
17 posts
 

How about the Pass XA25??  Reviewers seem to love it and it saves you 40 lbs.

lloydc's avatar
lloydc
751 posts
 

Why do you need to move the amp around so much?

ghdprentice
7,048 posts
 

Personally my experience is the heavier the better anything sounds. You own a great sounding amp. I am getting old and don’t move stuff around much any more. I would keep that fine sounding amp. “Sliders” and intellect can solve the movement problem… and hired help in a pinch. Worth not settling for sub optimum performance. I only move my amp every ten years or so.

yyzsantabarbara
4,885 posts
 

The CODA #8 is an excellent amp. Only reason I would sell it is to get the CODA #16 which is a bit better. The CODA drives my Thiel CS3.7 great. It can go down to 2 Ohms, though I forgot the numbers.

I actually move my CODA #8 around rather frequently, so I am glad it is not heavy. I alternate with some other amps between my RAAL SR1a headphones and the Thiel CS3.7. The other amp next week will be a KRELL Duo 175XD which may also satisfy the OP's needs.

The KRELL is a bit smoother sounding on the SR1a (I have a KRELL K-300i in another room) while I like the CODA #8 a bit more on the Thiel CS3.7.  The KRELL is a very relaxing sounding amp. The KRELL 175XD is 60 lbs.

 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

+1 on agd if you want pass labs level of sound, and much less weight

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