I scheduled the return of the Pass.
When he picks up the Pass, the guy is going to let me hear a Rogue tube amp while he’s here. It should be interesting.
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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@rvpiano , I happen to feel quite the opposite about Pass and classical music reproduction, as I find Pass excels with it. You might in fact be losing details based on the preamp volume control position, which could result in hearing less details. I never lived on Long Island, but many of my customers lived there. Some of my favorite salespeople were out there as well, and I enjoyed visiting/buying from the audio shops. I am going back a few decades. I have many stories to tell, and at 70, I would love to tell them all. Another time, as this thread is about you, and your journey. My best and standing by. MrD. |
BTW, volume attenuation has become a large topic in our industry (it has always been) and it is a very known fact of how it’s design and execution can make or break a system, which could honestly be your PV 11s weakness, with the Pass in the system. Have a great tech replace the stock attenuator with a remote controlled attenuator by KHOZMO (impedance matched of course), as I believe there might be room inside the chassis. Generally, a small receiving sensor can be located outside of the chassis, as opposed to drilling a hole into the faceplate. Or you can always upgrade to a more recent preamp, as I am sure many here will agree (some may not). This with whatever power amp(s) you decide on. Not to put a knife into your weekend, but you could be losing much detail with the CJ attenuator and its user position with the extra gain of the Pass. Sorry, this might not be helpful, but I needed to say it. |
@rvpiano The input impedance on the Rogue power amps are very high at 200K ohms (the ones I am familiar with), and your PV 11 output impedance is 500 ohms. This could be an issue. Plus, you will likely have the same problem with the PV11 volume control position. But, if he is not charging you extra for this loaner of a Rogue, you get to experience tubes as well. Sorry the Pass did not work out. I have a prediction where all this will be going, but we shall see. Always my best, MrD. |
Unfortunately, he’s not going to leave the Rogue with me. Hopefully I can tell something about it’s character, including the impedance issue, before he brings it back. The synergy between the Benchmark and the other components in my system is quite good. |
- 120 posts total