2. amps-preamps
  3. 192936-1301

Pass INT-25, split decision and maybe option?

I recently bought a used INT-25 to drive my PureAudioProject Trio15Classic. I have never been so torn by an amp as by this one! On one hand the details are addictive, but on the other hand, the details can be so distractive that I struggle to listen to the music. The INT-25 does do space really well and that’s definitely something I love and look for in an amp. I do miss some of the midrange magic and the warmth that a tube amp brings as well.

 

At this point, I’m not sure the INT-25 is going to stay. There’s so many things I love about it, but other things that distracts me from listening to the actual music.

 

I also miss some of the warmth that tubes bring. Is there such a thing as an integrated tube (or hybrid) that retains all the strength of the INT-25, but adds the midrange magic and warmth of the tube amp? Don’t mind if I lose some of the distracting details in the recording, but don’t want to give up too much of that. The PAP's do like a bit of power (the INT-25 is definitely sufficient), so low power SET's are not likely where I'd go.

128x128audiojan
hotei
159 posts
 

I’d just go for the VSI 75.  Straight forward easy to bias. Love mine.

pbecker128
5 posts
 

I read about the Modwright Analog Bridge. Tubes and you just put in your system before the Pass and its supposed to add the tube warmth. No amplification. Granted I've never tried it but I'm curious so maybe someone here has heard it. I also have Pass amps btw.

kennyc
1,608 posts
 

@audiojan are you open to "tube" integrated options?

decooney
2,160 posts
 

To @audiojan if I may suggest, its the combination of your INT-25, SilverSmith Fidelium cables, paired with your PAP speakers all together, exactly what and why you are hearing what you are enjoying less now if you are more into a system with warmth and body to the sound. If you truly came from a tube system, with your PAP speakers, that prior matching likely worked well together for you in a more engaging way, correct?

We see you don’t believe your new cables have anything to do with it yet I happened to catch your post on the PSAuido forum with the same handle name about how much more airy and open your new cables are compared to Cardas Clear Beyond. I'm a Cardas owner and CBs are pretty open, airy, and detailed too. So, If this is the case, detailed + detailed + revealing = more revealing detail and less of a plush sound imo. Top end is likely much more tipped up now I'd guess.

Sharing fwiw, my main system is all tube. My secondary system is a tube preamp paired with a solid state amp of Pass lineage to help keep it a bit smoother etc.

Matching & Pairing:

If I were in your shoes, I’d be chatting with every owner to be found with your same PAP Trio15 Class speakers, and inquire more about which TYPE of amp and cables they choose to pair up with most and why.

Tube integrated:

Its easy to see why many here are recommending a tube integrated to you instead. Its not that your INT-25 is not a good choice, I just believe you are hearing more of everything now and the lushness of "tube" is not there any more. Note: I sold three pairs of the older Cardas Golden Cross cables to Pass owners with similar comments as yours and what you are experiencing right now - if it helps to know. 

I'd be looking for a tube integrated to demo next and compare, decide from there. 

 

bobheinatz
725 posts
 

There have been some great suggestions and the cables are definitely worth looking at.  I was also in a similar situation with my very expensive SS integrated which I really enjoyed but slowly realized I missed the tube sound.  Purchased a nice tube integrated and listening with a smile on my face!

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