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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?)

128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 

QUANDARY REVISITED

I reversed course and bit for the $300 demonstration.  I have the whole weekend to listen and decide.  If it doesn’t make my system sound significantly better I will happily return the demo amps without feeling any obligation.  Since I can afford the $300 it is not a hardship for me to satisfy my curiosity.  As some have pointed out, to lug 90 lb. amps over, set them up and lug them back is certainly worth something.  And if I buy, the money will go towards the purchase price.  
The only caveat is that I won’t be hearing the exact same thing that I’m buying.  But I’m reassured that the sound will be very close, and to me it’s worth the gamble.  
 They are coming to install momentarily. I’ll report back as to the results.

 

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 

Well, the Pass is definitely an improvement over the Benchmark.  I just have to decide if it’s enough of an improvement to justify the expense.

larryi
3,978 posts
 

I think that the $300 review, which involves two trips by the dealer, plus the opportunity to have the $300 put toward the purchase price is a reasonable offer.  Whatever you decide, it is a decision informed by much more than most people base their decision on--you got to hear the amp in your own system, at your leisure.  

mrdecibel
3,063 posts
 

@rvpiano I am not sure how many power amplifiers you have owned, but the difference in presentation between the Benchmark and the Pass are quite different from each other, and would be, with any speaker. My advice to you, is to take your time, breathe easy, and play many pieces of music you recently enjoyed with you Benchmark, and allow the Pass to do their things. "Relax" during this weekend and ENJOY ! You will know which is more "engaging", as this is a term I talk about a lot. Do not think too much about it, and simply, listen. I will continue following this thread, so anything you want to discuss or comment on with all of us here, we have your back. Remember, you are trying to satisfy you...not me, not anyone else....just you. My best, MrD.

grislybutter
2,988 posts
 

The only caveat is that I won’t be hearing the exact same thing that I’m buying. 

yes, that's a big caveat

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