Quandary


I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

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Yes, if you buy used and take your audiophile time it is not very little. Just bought VAC Avatar SE tube integrated in September and set of NOS tubes for it, so for the next three years I am definitely done. Unless something breaks and can’t be repaired. I will need one more quad of output tubes for this time period, though. $500.

I would not really consider your speakers to be "very efficient", quick search puts them at, 90dB 1W/1M @ 4Ω (2.83V/1M) that's rather average efficiency. you may find the 30wpc not enough. The 60wpc amp he's offering for demo will be a better match IMO 

I presume the dealer is East End HiFi. I’ve purchased speakers from that dealer and I have found the owner Chris a real standup guy. Why not get off the Merry-Go-Round that you’ve been on for all these years and try out a Tube amp!!

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