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
voodoochillin's avatar
voodoochillin
61 posts
 

OP's speakers are listed as 87.5 dB sensitive and 8 ohm. I'm always curious about the amp choices people make when it comes down to power vs. sound quality characteristics. Always seems to be some sort of compromise...

 

 

 

 

 

 

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 

We had 87dB speakers here in my room with 20W Raven Blackhawk they sounded wonderful and played quite loud. Not headbanger loud, but plenty pleasingly high volume. The XA25 is so conservatively rated based on both measurements and user experience it is hard to imagine not being able to get plenty of volume from it.

Another example of all watts are not equal.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

I have QLN Prestige 5 and I am using an Audio Hungary Qualiton X200 (Blows Raven Away) and the Bel Canton e.One REF501S with REF2.7 DAC (Again Blows Raven Away)

The Bel Canto is Class D and is on all day as I work. I use the X200 in the evenings listening Analog and Digital.

Cheers.

motorcyclphil's avatar
motorcyclphil
19 posts
 

I replaced my heavy heavy ARC HD220 stereo amp with lighter DS450 mono amps which barely get warm,I'm using Synergistic Level 2 cords with SR orange fuses though might not sound as good as yours but with my Magnepan 20.1's they drive them loud and clear with no problem and with power to spare.At 65 my days of hauling heavy amps around are over.

roxy1927
131 posts
 

Definitely audition the xa-25 if you like Pass. I had the 350.8 and loved it but it was like have a storage freezer in my small living room. I also found it hard to move when I wanted to change things and it has its own air space.

The xa sounds wonderful and powerful. The only cons are that it is single ended if you prefer balanced and it looks so modest. I like components with visually more of a wow factor along with their audio wow. This is a bit too modest looking belying its capabilities. Alright I'm shallow.

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