Pass Labs; the sound (my opinion)
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- Опубліковано 10 вер 2024
- This could be pretty great...
If you need help with your Hi-Fi system or general advice, then send me a mail to: realhifihelp@gmail.com (my name is Larry)
For free help, then look at my videos and comments. Then there are several 1000’s of hours put into these videos for the entire community. (circa 450 videos)
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If you need help with your HIFI system or general advice, then send me a mail to: realhifihelp@gmail.com (my name is Larry)
For free help, then look at my videos and comments. Then there are several 1000’s of hours put into these videos for the entire community. (circa 450 videos)
I’m glad you were able to post your opinion. I don’t agree at all but I support the right we all have to our own view points. A 30.8 with a Backert Labs pre amp and a dCS Bartok with DeVore O96’s ………an audio lovers dream. That is my opinion.
I own the Pass Labs XA60.8 mono-blocks
I agree with your Preamp considerations. I tried the Pass Labs XP-22 and it was a total failure.
I did not even consider the XP-32, at that price point I went straight to the Audio Note M6 Phono, way better preamp and with a Phono stage second to none.
This combo sounds great, XA .8 sounds way, way more natural than the .5 series because of their second and third harmonic management, higher BIAS, bigger power supply, … a different beast.
Additional info: Interconnect AN M6 - Pass labs XA60.8 is AN Sogon
Behind the AN M6 there is an Audio Note CDT 4 + Audio Note DAC 4.1x Balanced. These are connected by AN Pallas (digital) and DAC - preamp uses an AN Sogon Balanced interconnect. Turntable is Audio Note TT3.
In other words, Audio Note Level 4 all the way to the Pass XA60.8
In my opinion it sounds great. Sure, an AN level 4 Amp. would do better but for now I can’t afford it, and waiting for that hypothetic upgrade I can now listen to the music and not to the hardware anymore.
You did a smart thing, thanks for sharing your insight. Again, very smart choice.
I didn't know this channel, finally a real objective critical sense (who doesn't think that everything is wonderful). Personally, these US brands make me dream (especially MacIntosh). Currently I am happy with my Lavardin (little known brand in the USA), while waiting for better. Excellent video.
Ciao possiedo x1 e x150.5 e sono poco soddisfatto bene medio alti meno i mediobassi ! mi e' stato consigliato Jeff Rowland Model 8 di piu non potrei , me lo cosigli? grazie
You’re right, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Regarding Pass Labs, my opinion differs greatly from yours. I noticed you’re new to posting about audio and was wondering if you would provide your background and qualifications so your perspective can be ascertained.
I have listened to most things in the world, under a lot of different conditions.
(we are literally talking about at least 80% of the gear out there)
I have owned a lot of gear, and visited a lot of places. And payed crazy amounts of money for HIFI, testing the limits of everything I could get a hold of.
Plus I have had access to some of the smartest engineers, helping me with modifying gear.
(I have heard a lot of unofficial parts from many companies, on other types of brands, fully understanding what quality of parts they use and their philosophy)
I have also heard unreleased beta gear that is like 10 years into the future, that is far ahead of the current standard.
I own a Level 3 audio note system, and one of my friends owns the best streamer in the world.
So I have been able to see a different angle on the sound from all kinds of brands.
I am just a sound obsessed guy who want's what is closest to perfection.
Pass Labs is above the standard, pretty decent brand, okay price, lots of potential. But like a lot of high end brands, it is a bit too grey/digital/focused on the structural part of the sound.
The weakest point is without a doubt their preamps, which still is one of the better ones on the transistor market. (their top preamp 30 and 32 model)
I prefer Nagra and especially Spectral in regards to transistor sound, much more evolved in every aspect. But again, that of course comes with a steeper price.
But again, I prefer the even better mid to top audio note gear under extreme conditions, that only I and a few other can fully tune in to.
But I am definitely not trashing Pass Labs, they are way above the trashy standard that is so popular, and around the same price.
I am just saying what I am saying because I am not sponsored, and I want to see change, and I hate normal, and most channels saying the same stuff.
I might be sponsored tomorrow, and then suddenly, I have to take all of that back, LOL.
But hey, you might own Pass Labs, and I definitely don't want to offend you.
So let me give you a Pass Labs complement:
If I had not heard the circa top 50 better brands out there, I might easily consider owning some of the Pass Labs models.
You can't get higher praise than that from me.
It's a brand a bit like Monitor Audio: surprisingly good, as long as you do certain things with it.
You can't say that about most of the brands out there.
@@RealHIFIHelp I find it very hard to believe that you have listened to most audio gear in the world
Hi I own a pass labs INT-60 question would going to a Macintosh MA9000 be a big step up or nah.any help appreciated Dan in NZ
@Carlos Sommariva in my humble opinion the XA 30.8 is a giant killer at it's price point. ... and it will be able to handle your speakers, not so the previous .5 that would have fall short in bass control.
I have that amp with XP-12 and I love it!!
Pass labs mono blocks with audio research ls28 or even better ref 6 are fantastic. For some reason pass labs preamps are not as good as their amps.
what about int-25 ? any suggestion
Thanks for your interesting videos, I appreciate your insights. Would you say an EAR 868 would also lead to a similar or at least synergetic result feeding Pass amps? My system is: Lindemann Musicbook Source -> Cardas Golden Reference XLR -> Pass Labs XA60.8 -> Cardas Golden Reference (Hi and mid/Bass separately wired) -> Paradigm Persona B + Sub. And what is your opinion on Paradigm Persona in general? I was amazed when I heard them at a dealer .. Thank you
Seems like an okay match that should be able to sound good, especially because of the cardas, which is a good negotiator between brands.
Lindemann Musicbook Source I don't think I have heard and Paradigm persona I have definitely not heard.
But they look a lot like they are gonna sound like a Monitor Audio pl200.
So you might also want to hear that.
Did you ever get an EAR 868?
I have a EAR 864 paired to a Pass X250. I like it FAR more than Ayre, Goldmund, or Bryston preamps I have. The Goldmund Mimesis 27+ I had paired gave the best slam and dynamics but the EAR overall was best.
Sir try SIT3 , XA25 ,XS300 From Pass labs ... they are way way different from earlier pass labs ..
Thanks for the tip.
Look at the old Aleph 3 or 5. A very different kettle of fish.
Hello! How about Krell vs Pass labs? Did you compare? Especially Krell Evolution e series. Thx
I have only heard a limited amount of Krell, and what I heard was that there is far in between the Krell models, and that generally Pass Labs is more consistent and better value.
I would take Pass Labs, because it is my opinion that about 40% of Pass Labs is pretty high quality compared to the standard of the market, whereas Krell, it only seemed like about 10% of it was really good and really hard to find and really hard to match right.
But I have not heard the new Krell. And some people say that the new Krell is very different in sound signature.
My blog page: realhifihelp.wordpress.com/
What do you tink about to int 250 to its 250 .8 and xp20 preamp on it ?
Nice to own for 1 month, but then I'm done with it, because mentally then I can predict what it will do before it happens. Potential, but too hard to close in on the finishing line, leaving me frustrated in the end.
Still if I could own this for only 1000 dollars totall, then I guess it could to ome degree be okay for a while, knowing I would have saved a lot of money.
is it good or not ???
Some few models are pretty good for the price used. But other than that, what Jay from Jays audio lab says about Pass Labs I find to be right on the nail. Watch some of his Pass Labs videos, there are really good.
To me personally I would only consider it early in my Hi-Fi journey getting something like a 160 model with a xp30 preamp used. That is really good for the price and a very good inbetween setups kind of sound for me, where you are trying to figure out where you want to go with your sound.
But the amps I sent you via e-mail are much much better and much better value. Still that does not make Pass Labs a bad brand. I still think that Pass Labs is one of those things everybody has to give a try at some time in their overall journey.
Nice talking to you.
what is your opinion 30.8 pass labs power amp. (for us$ 5800) and which type of preamp is the match?thanks
I have not tried the newest Pass Labs. But I know that generally the lowest models are just too vague and weak and empty in sound.
But generally even these lower models shows a lot of promise, just like normal mcintosh and accuphase gear.
I recommend always getting the 150w circa models and up, and using an audio note m3 signature preamp with it. That controls the sound in such a good way, you would think that it is about on the level of a good d'agostino setup or Gryphon which costs a lot more. (sometimes it even sounds better)
If you are looking at gear in this price range. I strongly suggest getting bob carver 180 mono blocks used and then using an audio note m3 preamp, that is even a lot better. Nothing Pass Labs makes at the very top comes close to this sound.
Pass Labs= lot of potential from mid to top models and up. But only really with audio note m3 preamps, or at the very minimum they own xp30 or 32 preamps.
@@RealHIFIHelp that pass is only a choice but im looking for a “vintage” amplifier but a new brand like yamaha as series (2200) for example or new Luxmans.My speakers are a JBL L100 classic. Give me some ideas please. Thanks you.
@@carlossommariva7485
Good speaker you have!
And yes it could definetely liven up the normal lower end Pass Labs sound and make it a lot better.
I would consider these things:
1. YBA ia350 integrated with DAC, lively/fun/a bit exciting with spunk and natural color.
But yeah not super powerful heavy and manly and vulgar like most expensive pretend HIFI. And a lot of people are looking for that type of sound.
2. A used Mcintosh ma7000 has a lot of potential and gives a pretty good value on the used market. It could sound pretty good with your speaker, and you could follow my ma6900 video to spice up the sound if you want to.
3. A tubeguru 211 SE could sound very awesome on that speaker, it plays a lot of bass and is very charming an heavy in sound, a bit on the colored side. But also has a huge potential for being modified.
4. YBA a100 heritage integrated amp. Really good value, and can get a lot better. Especially consider this if you like to upgrade the stuff inside, this is like the best value amp for that. I made a video about that.
5. I suggest maybe the old yamaha 2000 model from around year 2006 for ike 1/3 of the new price, it should be very similar to the 2200 model. Yamaha never really go far away from their original sound.
6. Try an EAR 8l6 amp, very good value sound, very diva like in personality and sounds also great with EAR acute cd player.
7. Maybe worth trying an Audio Note basic OTO amplifier on it.
They make about 5 levels of it.
(the basic models might easily be a bit on the weak side)
You’re making me feel bad about my stereo lol (naim olive), the funny thing is that I thought I was enjoying listening to music..
I would still say that Pass Labs is well above the standard, that is being sold on the market in general.
Do you have any views about Bryston amplifiers?
Yes an okay brand, not super but overall okay IMO.
Real HIFI Help,
What your option with Pass Lab Amplifier, I see this video and saw the letter note If you own Pass Lab mono block you deserve as a minimum having XP30 or XP32 as a preamp. Did it mean this 2 model have better sound then others Amplifier. So my question if I want to purchase a Pass Lab Amplifier,Which is better Preamplifier, Power Amplifier, I am interested with the Integrated Amplifier. What yr opinion or advice. Thank you
I recently heard the new Pass Labs models, and wrote about it in my book, which my last 2 videos shows a preview of. Contact me per e-mail if you want that book or a consultation.
@@RealHIFIHelp
Ok l will view the Last 1 video and if I interested with the book I will email you. Tks for yr reply
What about the Pass Labs X150.8 Amplifier?
I have not tried the newer stuff. But I expect the newer 160 models to be much better. That is also what I heard from others, but I can't confirm it.
Plinius ? I have a humble 9200 Integrated and it is great to my ears.
Send me a mail if you want answers.
what do you think about Innuos streamers ?
I have not heard it. But they look like they are one of the few using good parts inside.
Linn Klimax DSM/3 for passlabs
What about luxman? Their 590 and 509 look exactly the same internally.
Very interesting question...
Yeah, musically I think those models are superior with more style/good old daddy sound.
But I think Pass Labs is a more clean/minimalistic/less emotional experience, which is more about the crispness/data/movement in a more grey zone area. Meaning that you most likely will be listening to more pling sound effect that is cool with the Pass Labs. Where Luxman is just more transparant and about the substance/music.
But yeah I would guess that both are at around the same level, that it is just a question of priority. Just my opinion.
@@RealHIFIHelp thanks for your comment and interpretation. Luxman is the sound of old but it is gold. Others have been able to modernize a bit.
How about Hegel 590?
Very good value amp. Actually all Hegel are good value, especially the lower models.
Hi! Have you considered making a video about the mark levinson sound? I am really curious about your opinion on this brand.
I have only heard about 10 setups with them, that were not set up in a proper way to fully understand the sound.
It seems to be a brand that has a lot in common with Pass Labs and Mcintosh. But seemed to lag a bit behind their better models.
I did not have the interest to pursue listening to more Mark Levinson gear.
So McIntosh sounds bad but you should stack McIntosh gear with McIntosh gear “that’s how McIntosh sounds good” 😂; have you listened to yourself?
it would be helpful if you were to mention the models you are referring . There are models that review as new reference points , such as int25 for some reviewers. Gryphon is different price point. Not sure what speakers you are driving but for many in the USA Nelson's strongest card are low watt amp driving high sensitivity speakers. I am in that game , many years with highly regarded, 87db monitors , now 95 db speakers that happen to also sound better than my more expensive monitors.
I don’t like Pass Labs. I found the INT-150 integrated amp sterile and lifeless sounding.
I agree 110% with you. For me Pass Labs starts with what I think is called 160 model monoblocks and the xp30 preamp. Everything from Pass Labs below that, I simply won't touch.
Just like with Mcintosh, I won't touch the models below ma6900 integrated, since it is not a good representation of the brand for me.
Maybe you will like the mcintosh ma6900 and especially the ma7000 or the YBA ia350, they are all quite interesting and very different.
Nice talking with you.
@@RealHIFIHelp it’s my own fault. Just like Macintosh I let myself get sucked in by their looks and reputation.
@@RealHIFIHelp Macs and Pass Labs entry level stuff is junk!
The X series I also did not like, and their preamps sound sterile and uninspiring. But XA.8 series is a whole different story. XA 60.8 amp is the sweet spot of their power amps, it sounds VERY good and is still in a realistic price category. Lot of people who spend ridiculous amounts of money will never become happy with their gear, because their expectations correlate with the money they spend and that is a big problem imo
@@robertchristou At a certain price point making impressive-sounding gear is not impressive. The fact that they couldn't' make a good integrated amp for $7000 is very unimpressive!
Sir what matters is the music how good your ears are your hearing loss and not trying to find the perfect sound.
That is why I wrote a circa 800 page book, so people can find the skill of how to pair gear. There it also states what gear Pass Labs designed their amps for. Send me a mail if you want it.
realhifihelp@gmail.com
What about Denon receivers?
I am not a fan of Denon. If you have to take that brand I recommend the biggest and most expensive and classic model, then maybe there is 1 or 2 models that is okay in my book.
Go with Yamaha 1000+ models if you can, that is usually a big upgrade for not much more money, but still a bit similar in sound.
))))
I'm not a fan of Pass Labs. Was looking at their measurements and they measure really bad at high loads. Do your own research.
Where did you get the data? Did you listen to it for yourself?
Thanks for your HIFI INFO, just wanted to mention your comment at 6:01 “end up listening to Stupid beat music that isn't very good” was quite frustrating and felt very ignorant, it honestly made me stop listening to your channel. Music like HIFI is very subjective, I don’t think any-form of music is “Stupid” if it brings the listener a beautiful emotional experience and joy.
Go somewhere else for help......my opinion
Overpriced & overrated!!
What a mambo jombo !!!!!! You should use good cables you should use good cd player you should use good dac!!!!!wow
Dud are you smoking your goodys from wrong hole??? Haha
Yes you should take your own advice and try everything on the market like me. Have a nice day.
@@RealHIFIHelpYou clearly state you haven’t listened to the new pass labs stuff? Lol😂 But then you state you have listened to 80% of gear, with as many companies and products out there, I’d call major BS on your thesis.
You are absolutely arrogant ..You lost a viewer forever.