An observation: With the Benchmark I listened for fine detail. The Pass is more homogenized, but in a very nice way. I’m beginning to get used the Pass sound and liking it more than previously.
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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I would rotate the Benchmark AHB2, and my CODA #16 for my 2-channel speakers and every time would say that what I was using was currently using was the best combo. I decided that the power and sweetness of the CODA is what I wanted over the super clarity of the AHB2. I also needed to raise cash, so I sold the AHB2. I wish I still had an AHB2 for my headphones which I used with a very warm Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp. My 2-channel preamps were very neutral so it can get tricky pairing the AHB2 with them.
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@rvpiano good afternoon. Keep in mind, Benchmark and Pass, imo, ime are catering to different audiences of listeners. Benchmark = clean, uncolored, bare to the bones neutral. Pass = smooth, lush, velvety, romantic and dynamic. Tube amps = smooth, lush, velvety, romantic. Are you seeing a similarity here. What this weekend has done for you, whether you purchase a Pass or not, is the exposure of an amplifier's character. The Benchmark has zero character, ime, as it was designed to not have one. This is not to say it is not a wonderful amplifier and has proven itself over and over again. Many love it, some do not. However, most amplifiers have a "flavor", and these flavors are appealing to many. Nelson is the flavor king when it comes to solid state. Many love it, some do not. $300 is worth this experience alone, providing you can afford it. Let's face it, this is what audiophiles do; go from one piece of gear to another, looking/listening to satisfy their individual tastes (I have so much to say about this, and have ad nauseum). You might prefer the Benchmark, which is fine. You are getting some of this flavor with your PV11. A big word as of late used throughout our community (although this has existed for decades), is "synergy", which is combining a little of this and a little of that (sometimes a lot of this and a lot of that), to get to that final place within our rooms. So, just experience the Pass amps while they are there. Relax and enjoy and try not to be anxious or critical. We are standing by. My best, MrD. |
@rvpiano Always, to a Long Islander😄, lol. |
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