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

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?

I listen mostly to vinyl and I would say in general it is a more refined amplifier than the Cary was. I listen to the sonic performance, do the instruments sound natural do hand claps sound real. I really don't want to let the design architecture (tube or ss) drive my sonic expectations.

Chuck

Hi Chuck, congrats on INT30A! As mentioned, IME, Focal Be and Pass class A are a match made in audio nirvana. With that air and energy at high frequency with a touch of sweetness leading the way, everything becomes very transparent, clear and seductive. With 1007s being 89db 8ohm (min 4ohm), INT30A shouldn't break a sweat taking control over the drivers, even at loud levels.

BTW, I've had 2 other sets of speakers from well known brands with Pass XA30.5 in my rig, but pairing with Focal Be is what floats my boat.

Hi Fiddler,
I've heard nothing but good about Electrocompaniet. The only experience I have had with them though is their old ECD-1 dac. One word (or two) that can describe is "beautiful mid-range".