2. amps-preamps
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Class A: Accuphase vs Pass Labs house sound?

I have always been fascinated with Accuphase (Japanese audio in general). I've never heard an Accuphase amp in person. I've heard Pass class a/b amps a few times. I own a FirstWatt j2. One thing I really like about the feature set of Accuphase that it includes a gain level control. I would find that handy since I have 101 efficient (measured at 98db) Zu speakers. Since I run a tube pre, tube hiss can be an issue if I do not keep tabs on the gain when choosing components. No worries with the J2 since the gain is super low. However, I may look to upgrade my amp in the future. Pass 30.8 is something that looks like a nice unit. Also the Accuphase A-48 or A-30.

Just curious if anyone has compared both...sound wise and build wise

 

 

aberyclark
swede58's avatar
swede58
134 posts
 

I have compared the E800 against the Pass int250. 
(never left class A during the audition)

I thought the Pass sounded a bit more open with a

more powerful bass compared to the more laid back

and darker sounding Accuphase. Build wise they are

both top notch but personally I preferred the appearance

of the Pass.

aberyclark OP
1,357 posts
 

Good info. I agree the Pass looks much nicer in general. Plus, much better prices since they are US based. 

sheridanmartinj
50 posts
 

Go Pass it will Last great in every respect may deal with a little more distortion  I`m not listening to specs its the music at 75 yrs young I can care less about .005% distortion.  For the last 30 yrs. its been tubes on the high end trannies on the bottom;  Audio Research Preamps on top Pass power amps on the bottom just lately I decided to go all transistor Pass XP30 Pre - Pass X350 Power the synergy is just outrageous. GO PASS IT WILL LAST!!

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