I have a similar amp to the R-8 (Cayin CS-55a), I found it sounds much better with the KT-88 tubes. I am using Gold Lions right now. The sound is much more clear and detailed than with the EL34.
Pass INT-25 better than Wilsenton R8?
I have recently purchased a Pass Labs INT-25. It replaced a Wilsenton R8 with NOS tubes (EL-34). I feel that the sound im getting from the Pass is not 5000.00 better. Has anyone purchased a INT-25 and not been blown away from the sound? I do think that the 25 has a wider soundstage.
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I had the amp-only version, Pass XA-25, driving a 97db efficient speakers. There were certainly remarkable things about the amp, most notably imaging. But when I pushed it a bit I could hear distortion. It might have been clipping, but probably from when it went into AB mode. I couldn't live with it. |
@travisg EL34 tubed amps can sound plush compared to a clean/transparent sounding solid state amplifier. Each with its own sound signature and type of presentation. One other factor you’ll read about is people leaving their pass amps powered on anywhere from 4,8, to ~24hrs before doing any critical listening. Varying debates. 24hrs: Have you tried listening after your INT-25 has been powered on for a full twenty four hours, transformer, all toasty inside? Smoother sounding then?
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@nayls02 Thank you for that most excellent response. You certainly know the INT-25 and XA25 inside and out. I have thought of buying one or the other for awhile now. Time will tell. Have a great day. |
Not only the Pass amp needs around 200hrs of break in, it also needs at least 1hr of warm up every time you turn it on to do some listening. |
- 49 posts total