too much like a pro amp in my system - It was designed as a pro amp, so yeah. Although I wouldn't expect much change, I'm a bit surprised you're not going to run it in for a few days. I've only ever changed my mind with speakers after break in, never with any piece of electronic gear.
To each their own. A pro amp to me means transparency and accuracy. coloring is also a nice sound as well though. I mean that honestly. To each their own. We don’t have to all like the same thing. I do want to try the pass labs amp out of curiosity
The XA25 is my end-game amp as long as I’m using 89+ sensitivity speakers. Just an amazing amp IMO and I credit you for convincing me to get one.
Only if you use it and have to pay the electric bill! It was $85k for a stereo pair (4 chassis) when launched. Could be even more in this current economic climate.
I've always been a straight wire with gain type as far as electronics go. The speakers are where I get my flavor from. I figure if the signal from the amplification is as close to the original source as possible, and with the Benchmark gear I believe that's what I'm getting, then I'm hearing the true nature of the speakers. That's my audio philosophy, not for everyone I understand.
Yeah same here. I want my amp and preamp to not add a single thing. I get enough color from the speakers and then add a dash of color maybe from a DAC or source. i don’t want to go on this crazy system matching circular chase. that being said I do want to try the pass just to see what everyone is raving about. But yeah from the few amps I’ve heard, the benchmark sounds the most real by far. Playing music for so long I kinda know what instruments sound like. Not to mention feel like under my fingers.
Good discussion here. Considered an AHB2 but just didn’t have the power and current capability to adequately drive my Thiels so I went another route. I am, however currently giving the HPA4 preamp a trial to replace my aging Musical Fidelity pre. Even after all the glowing reviews, I am a bit surprised by by its neutrality despite being utterly revealing. Was expecting it to be a little analytical and cold with the Thiels but not so. Still evaluating if it’s the right match in my system but highly recommended to anyone looking for a reference pre. Stunning.
In my experience it’s anything but cold I thought that might be the case with all the silly talk about anything that is transparent is cold. Makes no sense actually.
All this talk about LA4 n HPA4 makes me wanna replace my Oppo HA-1 soon! I still got a pair of the Benchmark SMS1. It will be a full Benchmark system save for the DAC.
Yes but with limited streaming services, mainly a file server / player but excellent sounding. Sony HAP-Z1ES.
It was tested by Stereophile putting out 80 watts at 8 ohms and 130 watts per channel at 4 ohms, 1% THD. It also has a gradual distortion curve.
agreed, there are times when I could use more power though but not very many. i am finished chasing amps except for an upgrade to another pass when one becomes available. they are sold out through december.
I thought about giving it / them more time but the miss-match with my preamp is too apparent. Listening at low volume levels certain music or notes will break through and sound much louder than they should. Reminds me of watching a movie on a HT system where you can't hear the dialogue but yet a thunderous explosion blows the roof off. This amp would work well with a passive preamp.
that spec is misleading. 70 W <0.1% at any Z, Class A SN 97 dB it is an impressive device. Pass Laboratories XA25 power amplifier Measurements When listening my meters seldom exceed -20 dB or 1.2 W avg (2.4 peak) The most it has drawn is 20 W (40 peak) 75 dBA SPL, 100 dBZ peaks Speakers are 86 dB eff
Good call bud....it's stressful trying to improve a system/sound that you're already happy with.Sometimes it's "good enough "...relax and enjoy your music and wait patiently for a bigger Pass amp IF it's necessary
I use an RME ADI-2 FS as the preamp and DAC with my AHB2, and it sounds crazy good at low levels. It’s hard to imagine what you’re hearing is the fault of the amp, but it doesn’t really matter. You’ve got the rest of the system built to taste and the amp doesn’t fit. If you keep it, the only options are to put up with it or try to chase fixes in the rest of your system. Neither of those make sense.
I still think that since you have the amps it’s worth getting an LA4 pre just to properly listen to them Would be a shame to not see what they can do through your speakers while you have the amps. I mean it’s all about having fun as well as you didn’t even really hear what they can do.
Most pre-owned Pass gear is in pretty good shape. And it’s my understanding that Pass is often willing to perform check-ups on older amps at no cost. Just something to consider if the model you’re seeking pops up on the used market. Another thought: room setup can have a huge impact on a system’s net efficiency. I probably gained a good 2 or 3db sensitivity by setting up my system along the long wall of my room. This forced my seating position closer to the opposing wall, with only about 1.5’ behind my head. That actually resulted in an overall improvement rather than the detriment I was expecting. I was also able to place my speakers closer to the forward wall and that resulted in more linear bass response. With the possible exception of soundstage width, everything about my system’s sound has improved with this placement, compared to when it fired down the length of the room.