Pass or First Watt

I have a horn system in my home, efficiency is a bit over 100 dB / watt. There is only one solid state amp. that I have ever heard that I would consider running with it, the Pass Aleph J. Literally, almost indistinguishable from my 300b amps.

I have owned the RWA Signature 30.2 as well. I like the amp alot, the sound is very, very different though. Very full, thick and warm sounding, where as the Aleph J was as delicate and light and pleasant as a 300b amp. If I had less efficient speakers, the RWA would probably be better as it would have a little more grunt, but if you are running comfortably on a few watts, the Aleph J is a winner.

All that being said, if your tube amp is noisy, it is simply a poorly designed tube amp and or some bad tubes. I have a pair of Audio Note Kits Interstage Monoblocks that are completely and utterly silent with my horn setup. I have also auditioned a Yamamoto and Wavac that were completely silent as well. My 2 cents.

Hello Bob,
Having read Charles's post for quite some time and having had a slight dealing with him in the past, I give much weight to his opinions.
I also agree with Martin's remark about your tube amp being noisy. There must be a problem which could easily be remedied. My speakers are Beauhorn Virtuoso's (106 db) which are pretty similar to yours. Mine with Lowther DX4's. They are used with Wavelength Cardinals 300b or Wavelength 45 Amps. No noise ever, whatsoever!
Good luck

Hi Ischronism,
Thanks for the kind comment. Last year at RMAF I had the chance to hear the Wavelength Cardinal driving Vaughn speakers. Not only did they sound excellent in that room, those cardinals were dead quiet. Those arevery nice 300b amplifiers.
Regards,

Hmmm...the Pass Labs would have better resale value, but the First Watt would have better sound?

I am not so sure that the Pass would have better resale value than the FirstWatt amps.

Especially not if we are talking about the FirstWatt models that were limited to a production run of only 100 amps (handbuilt by Nelson Pass!).