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
m-reiner
6 posts
 

I agree with the folks saying that the Pass amp is special and perhaps you should just get help moving it, so you don't have to change it out.

That said, if you must change, I recommend that you consider the Son of Ampzilla II by Spread Spectrum Technologies (SST). 

  • It only weighs 42 pounds and puts out 220 watts per channel.
  • The sound is very Pass-like and exudes the best of aspects of a Class A amp - including running very warm.
  • It delivers beautifully on every measure of sound you may have for an amp from bass to imaging to detail without harshness.

I admit that I bought this amp 6 months ago after a careful search and it will be my last amp.

Happy listening however you choose to go! 

 

 

lemonhaze
416 posts
 

I agree fully with the above post. I still own the original GAS Son of Ampzilla. Designed by James Bongiorno, a brilliant and under-recognised designer. When I got the amp I chose it in preference to Pass' Threshold!

arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 

Make it work, keep the Pass amp(s)

 

 once gone, you will be sad.

 We moved to a smaller home, and my dumba$$ bought larger amps.

make it work!

 

 

adversam
73 posts
 

Seriously, keep it... or move to the XA25

audionut51
25 posts
 

Solution Bedini 25/25 Phase II. If you can find one. I used mine to drive Acoustat 2+2s. Now have Von Schweikert VR4 Sig and VR 5/7 and Totem Forest. Must hear to believe this amp. 35 lbs. Also own PrimaLuna EVO 400/KT150s. Actully have two. 70lbs each. Also own Quicksilver V4 and Mono 120s for reference. They will play louder. There is a "fluid" sound to the Bedini not matched by any other amp I have heard. Also have other Bedini amps like 800 series. Good Luck! You might want to keep the PASS until you hear better.

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