2. amps-preamps
  3. 1247411701

pass labs xa30.5 vs aleph 3

Stereophile reveiwer Erick Lichte has done a head to head review of these pass amps in August 2009 issue. Erick uses the aleph 3 as his main amp feeding a pair or Revel f30 speakers, he also uses Benchmark Dac1 to feed the alpeh as I do as well. He was asked to do a comparison between the pass amps as a follow up to the great reveiw of the xa30.5 which was reviewed by Brian Damkroger in which,I quote "absolutely, positively,and enthusiasticallly recommended" the xa30.5 and, Brian sounds like he perfers high powered amps in the review. In the review Erick thought the Xa30.5 sounded more resolving and a little bit better bass control and can sound louder than the 30 watts. It was leaner in the midbass than the aleph 3 but, had a slightly more presents in the top three octave. he still is in love with is aleph 3 and sound like he is not planning on replacing the aleph 3 with the xa30.5. Anyways I have been waiting for a head to head review of these pass amps since the xa30.5 was released. If anyone would like to see the head to head review send me an email and I will take a high res pictures of the artical and send it to anyone. Also Erick Lichte did a head to head review of the Musical Fidelity's 550k supercharger amp and the Aleph 3 in a December 2008 issue. He concluded the aleph sounded better than the 550's by itself. He then supercharged his aleph 3 but did not like the sound. Very interesting articals about my beloved aleph 3, and a great read for aleph 3 owners. In my opinion the aleph 3 is still a giant killer and is a legend when it comes to amps.
tiverson2000
rtn1
535 posts
 
Tpk123, I have had excellent and very responsive service from Mark Reno. He's not my pal, but I'd also be happy to recommend him. When someone treats you well, no harm in mentioning it to others. It's not being a shill, it's called word-of-mouth.

There's more dealers and manufacturers worthy of praise, but I'll refrain to keep the thread on track.

I may have recommended Mark on another thread. I'm just letting you know to save you the time to look through all my posts. I am also biased because I love my Pass Labs amp as well. That's my full disclosure.
tpk123
61 posts
 
Thanks Rtn1, for the kind of money you are spending on your amps you damn well better get good service and a free beer to boot! Go RENO!! Yahoooo RENO, RENO, RENO, RENO!!
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Not sure there is a Reno conspiracy (actually I'm sure there
isn't), just what appears to be satisfied customers with the
service provided. I've bought an XA30.5 and Aleph J, and
maybe a J2 soon, and if I am not happy with it, an easy
trade-in policy (a home evaluation with my equipment and
room if you will); seems to be a good business model, and
now Audiofeil seems to be part of this distribution channel
with First Watt gear. Now the question is where does your
anti-Reno Animus come from. You own a brick and mortar? If
so, I suggest you get a website up, 60-70% of some stores
come from their internet channel. If not that, then why
complain when others recommend a vendor for providing good
service. If Tvad were the only one, you would quickly hear
from others of what a piece of S%&t Reno was, and all the
bad experiences some have had. It doesn't happen. Why? I
think it is obvious. But really, the Reno issue isn't very
interesting. Much more interesting is which of the wonderful
Pass/First Watt products to buy. Why? When seeking SS,
Pass/First Watt must be on anyone's shortlist of products to
consider.
Post removed 
rtn1
535 posts
 
Tpk123, OK. That made me laugh.

And it's not just the beer talking!
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