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Moscode 401HR vs Pass Labs X150.5

So...for those that followed my previous thread, I am still in the hunt for the best amp under $2500 (after auditioning and returning a set of mono amps). I really have not been able to find much on the differences between these two amps sonically. I know the Pass has better resale value, but that's not my primary concern, although it is a concern for sure. The Moscode is rated at 200w into 8ohms (300 into 4ohms), the Pass at 150w (also 300w into 4 ohms I believe). I also know that Moscode improved upon the 401HR with the 402AU. Anyway, my tastes are bluesy rock, female vocalists and jazz. My system is as follows

AIFF lossless => Peachtree Nova USB DAC/Preamp => ??AMP?? => Dynaudio Contour S3.4 spkrs (4ohm load, 88db)

If anybody out there can offer comments as to how these two amps compare (or don't!) I would appreciate it. Thanks
fredorama
pani
1,219 posts
 
I do not understand how you can buy these amps in under $2500, but I am guessing you would be going the used route. In that case try to find a Symphonic Line RG1 MK4, it will probably end your search for a power amp for a long time to come (till you have the funds for a higher end Symphonic Line).
BTW, the RG1 is stable at 1 ohm.
fredorama OP
50 posts
 
Thanks Pani. I was considering a Plinius SA-102 for a while. Apparently, based on your thread, you were too. I see you settled on the Symphonic, which I am now reading about. You have piqued my interest. Thanks!
gregadd
574 posts
 
I have owned the 402au and the 402au and 401hr.
Resale value of 401hr-close to what I paid for it w/o advertising.
Heat and reliability- no problems. The 402au arrived with one channel dead. A wire had come loose in transit. A call to George and I was told to reconnect the wire. I plugged it in and no problems since.
Yes the 401hr ran hot. the 402au solved that problem. I don't know how. I don't suspect the heat is a problem in the 401hr. The heat is generated by the mosfets that are mounted directly on the heat sinks outside the other components.
Circuit layout-Always a judgement call. I like the fact that my amp sits neatly in my cabinet. See speedfreak on virtual systems. The trend is to minimize the footprint
My speaker is the ML CLS. A much more challenging load than your speaker. No problems.
Like TVAD I can't ell you which way to go. Obviously you know what my choice would be. If you like solid state PASS is one of the best. A little too smooth for my taste. The Moscode just sounds more like music to me.
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