Pass Int-150 or Int-30A for PMC Speakers?

Ooo... That's a tricky one! Realistic speaking, it will probably be the Electrocompaniet integrated ($5500, or $6000 with DAC) because the tone is smoother and much comfortable to the ears... Plus, to reproduce the Pass system effect I heard, it would most likely take more than the Pass integrated amp ($7150) since I heard heard it on the XP20 preamp and XA100.5 through a Berkeley Alpha DAC. That's a $30,000 worth of electronics... Musically wise and money wise, the Electrocompaniet wins...

I just got my PMC FB1i today... I hope to get the Electrocompaniet gear soon. Would love to share my experience with other Classical music lovers on here. I hope there are many more music fans out there who enjoys the musical experience of a system rather than the neutrality of the electronics...

Fiddler,
Congratulations on your new additions, I think you made the right call.Exceptional musicality and emotional involvement are more valuable(to me) than hifi qualities if a choice has to be made.I want components that involves and connects me to music rather than analyze and observe it.I don`t believe you`ll have any regrets or 2nd thoughts.
Regards

Hey Chuck,

How's the int-30a treating you?

It is a fantastic Amp and much better than the Cary especially in the bass department. It has much better control over the speakers and gives better transparency and clarity to voices. The timbre or air around the instruments is better along with better clarity as well. I am hearing things in my recordings that I haven't heard before.

I really like the fact that I don't have to worry about the vacuum tubes and them burning out (wearing out) or the maintenance associated with them.

In general I would say the Cary put you more in the back row of the performance where the Pass puts you more up front. I am really enjoying the amp and not looking back.

The Cary was a F1 model with NOS tubes. Bugle boys (6dj8) in the pre-amp position along with Sylvania 6sn7wgta's in the driver position and new issue Genalex KT-88's / KT-77's and 5ar4's in the rectifier position.

The associated equipment is a VPI Classic 1 TT and a Herron VTPH-2 phono stage with NOS Telefunken Tubes in all 5 positions. HGA cabling (X-32 Speaker Cable and DNA Interconnects); Benz Micro Wood SL MC Cartridge. A Sony Highly Modded SCD-1.

Oh boy! Sounds like I really should find an int-30a to listen to. When I heard the X100.5 with XP20 (listen through a computer and Berkeley Alpha DAC), the tone was still somewhat of a solid state sound. It's definitely warmer but I wouldn't say it's close to tubes. Do you find the same with Int-30a or does it really sound like the concert hall with real instruments? Do you listen more to the vinyls?