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PASS LABS INT-150 or X-250 with X-1

well,what can i said,need an info from ur experience with this model.
I'm come from simple background system(receiver,integrated),and this the first time i use separate.
amp is PASS X-250 hook up directly to BEL CANTO DAC3.
what i'm looking right now is touch of warm sound!
the set up now have detail,sound stage,clear and bass punch out from my speaker(DYN C-1)but .....less musical(i guess).
so,if i added X-1 pre to my set up is that can fill the gap of my system?
or simply sell X-250 & just bought INT-150(it will make her happy cause the amp sit in the floor now.)
but my concern about this INT is the watt,from 250w(X-250) down to 150w(INT-150),am i gonna lose the bass i like now?
thanks.
jim
honeyooi
swanny76109
382 posts
 
I own a Bel Canto DAC3, and have owned an X1 pre which I have upgraded to a Pass XP10. I'd characterize the X1 on the cooler side of neutral. If you are looking for more warmth and dynamics, I'd urge you to go to an XP10. It will also add a bit of bass warmth too, but still keep the depths you have been getting. I have run the DAC3 direct as a pre, and didn't get the dynamics and soundstage I wanted, but am getting it in droves with the XP10. There have been a few offered here around 3K lately, which is a bargain for the quality. Good luck!
honeyooi OP
121 posts
 
liguy:
thanks for explanation,
swanny:
added XP10 still out of my budget but,i think i'm better try INT-150 since they have XP10 as preamp:O
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
426 posts
 
Hi Honeyooi,

I have an INT-150. It will drive your speakers just fine. The INT-30A will as well unless you really push the dbs. The INT-150 has been described as a 150.5 plus the XP10, but this is really not the case. There is no real "preamp" section in the 150, just a buffer for volume control. The INT-150 is not warm sounding, just low distortion. I would describe it as clear and full range. Really nice. You should listen to one and let us know what you think.
honeyooi OP
121 posts
 
hi karl,sorry for late response.)
yes,now i'm tend to change my set to INT-150.
so far my listening habits is bad,louder the better for me.
also the C-1 come alive when push it louder too:-)
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I haven't seen any measured data from any '250 or '350 series Pass amp.

However, the INT-150 was close to 200 watts @8ohms and 300 watts at 4ohms.

The XA30.5? That hit about 100 watts @8ohms and 200 watts @ 4ohms....while being firmly A/B at that power.

All distortion was 1%. I suspect these amps will also drive some weird reactive loads well, too, based simply on weight. The powersupply and heatsinking is quite generous.

Based simply on power vs listening habits, I wouldn't hesitate for 1 second to try the INT-150 with my Magnepan 1.6s which are an 'easy' load, though somewhat low in sensitivity.
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