recommendation of amps

I had a Benchmark AHB2 for almost 3 years and really enjoyed the clean sound and wide stage. I decided to make a big jump about 2 years ago to the Pass 250.8 and instantly heard why people enjoy Pass. The soundstage was deeper, taller, and most importantly it made listening more fun. Instruments and vocals had more weight/tone to them and the soundstage felt more cohesive than the AHB2.

This is exactly how I felt when I dropped an AHB2 into my system which was anchored by an X250.8.   I really liked the AHB2 for the $$ and how clear it was, but I found it lacked the front to back soundstage depth and life-like texture and tone of the Pass.   I sold it after a month or two and kept the Pass for like 5 years.

@robshaw, if the 250.8's hint of warmth, musicality, lack of any harshness, and a killer soundstage interests you, I recommend you listen to the AtmaSphere Class D monos.   They come very close (IMO) to the 250.8 and XA30.8 sound signatures that I'm very used to.   I now own a pair of the AtmaSphere monos and am very happy with them.

yyzantabarbara and ddafoe,   Thank u both for your input. I currently run in both my systems  The LA-4 pre amp, like it that much, Gain control is great and with a firm ware upgrade you can now see the volume level far away, which is nice (sit about 15' away in my triangle. I was tempted earlier to look at the AtmaSphere, but, after getting rid of my starter set of Peachtree class D, wanted to try something else.

I am really interested in your post about the Yggi +  will be looking at reviews etc shortly. My latest purchase, just ordered a pair of Tekton MOAB's with BE tweeter, and upgraded crossovers. Currently running Tekton DI's upgraded and LOVE THEM, may move them to my other system, will see. Will never sell them, for me and my rock and roll listening they are GREAT. Hoping that the MOABS are even better, HOPING!!!  Robert    Ps Thank you both for sharing your suggestions. This forum has helped me time and time again.

@robshaw This was the reason I took a flyer on the Yggi+ Less is More DAC (my mistake it is not the worst measuring).

New Schiit Yggdrasil Blind Listening Comparison - Bits and Bytes - Audiophile Style

The reviewer has listened to tons of gear, so he has a good frame of reference. He also uses the same headphones as me and considers them as good as mega expensive 2-channel. I concur on that too, so I gave this review a lot of credence.

Though my headphone setup was better than the mega expensive setup he eventually went with. In a fit of mental instability, I sold my better setup and I am now going with an all-Schitt headphone setup (about 90% as good as what I sold).

I love this Schitt.

I listened to the review of the 3 schiit units. Very interesting, and somewhat confusing at the same time. More is less, less is more, and the top of the line OG, I think?  Will continue to look,and review, Thnaks

j_andrews

Did you ever get the Van Alstine DVA M225 mono amps? I am VERY curious about those. THX