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

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.   
 Unless the Rogue exceeds  Benchmark’s quality, it will be a quick NO.

@mrdecibel 

Well, as I’m sure you predicted, the Benchmark blew away not only the Rogue but a CJ amp he brought over. It blossomed like a beautiful flower. The other two amps sounded dead in comparison. It wasn’t even close!
 As I’ve said, the synergy of my components is outstanding.

@rvpiano , at least you now know. Keep in mind, music and music listening should be an enjoyable and entertaining endeavor. What this means and what I have found by experience with myself as well as others, my mood matters when I listen, before I listen. This is another topic that can be and has been discussed on another thread, in fact. My best Always, MrD.