Pass Labs INT-60 incoming...

[Kuoppis]

Craved to do something different with the small system in the summerhouse and pulled the trigger on the smaller Pass .8 integrated. Quite excited actually.

I have heard nice things about this particular amp but have not had it in my system yet. It believe it will do well with Harbeth 3PSRs and a REL 7i I am also planning to add.

Should be fun.


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[joeinid]

Cool, congratulations. I heard that integrated with Super HL5plus' and was a wonderful warm presentation. I'm sure you will love it.

[Kuoppis]

Cool, congratulations. I heard that integrated with Super HL5plus' and was a wonderful warm presentation. I'm sure you will love it.

Thanks for sharing Joe, good to hear.

I thought the Pass might be a good fit with Harbeths. I've never owned a Pass before, so I think it's time to see what master Nelson has put together.

Also in Europe the INT-60 has been reviewed rather favorably and is currently ranked among the best integrated amps.

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[Dguitarnut]

I had the Harbeths Super HL5 plus and they paired beautifully with the int-60.
Its the only piece of equipment that Mike hasn't been able to talk me into upgrading and I doubt he will for long time. It's beautifully crafted, great heat dissipation sinks and the remote control makes it a joy to use.

[rbbert]

?..Also in Europe the INT-60 has been reviewed rather favorably and is currently ranked among the best integrated amps...

Hmmm...

[Kuoppis]

Hmmm...

Different regions/ countries definitely have a faible for stuff from their own vicinity. Ever saw What Hi-fi report anything negative about Chord or Naim? Ever heard TAS or Stereophile not liking Maggies or Audio Research? German media being critical about T+A?

So, the Pass INT-60 being reviewed favorably in Europe just emphasizes its class.


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[rbbert]

Pass INT-60 Review

Pass INT-60 & INT-250 Integrated Amps

Pass INT-60 Review

[Kuoppis]

When I click the links in Tapatalk, it always opens the same link not referring to the INT-60 very much?

...in the browser I do get different results though. Thanks!


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[Kuoppis]

The INT-60 arrived today, I'm giving it a quick late nice peek auditioning. First impressions are very good. This is yet another example of system matching vs. just picking components.

Yesterday I did a comparison of the Meitner vs. the Ayre Codex in an all Ayre chain. Conclusion was that while the Codex caught up quite nicely after warming up (being too full sounding and not accurate enough before), the Meitner still had a bit of a leg up due to higher clarity and detail.

Today with the INT-60 (although run with the Ayre KX-5/20 still in the chain as a pre) the Codex was a perfect match. With the Pass' more ethereal top-end vs. the Ayres the little tad of additional warmth in the Codex created a perfect match.

I guess in the summer house it will be even better with the Harbeths, as they are a little less power hungry compared to the Magicos. That said, the INT-60 appears to drive the S3s pretty ok.

The soundstaging and imagng of the Pass is truly exceptional. I'm going to have a lots of fun with this one.


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[Mike]

The INT-60 arrived today, I'm giving it a quick late nice peek auditioning. First impressions are very good. This is yet another example of system matching vs. just picking components.

Yesterday I did a comparison of the Meitner vs. the Ayre Codex in an all Ayre chain. Conclusion was that while the Codex caught up quite nicely after warming up (being too full sounding and not accurate enough before), the Meitner still had a bit of a leg up due to higher clarity and detail.

Today with the INT-60 (although run with the Ayre KX-5/20 still in the chain as a pre) the Codex was a perfect match. With the Pass' more ethereal top-end vs. the Ayres the little tad of additional warmth in the Codex created a perfect match.

I guess in the summer house it will be even better with the Harbeths, as they are a little less power hungry compared to the Magicos. That said, the INT-60 appears to drive the S3s pretty ok.

The soundstaging and imagng of the Pass is truly exceptional. I'm going to have a lots of fun with this one.


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Congrats! What a great integrated. It's always one of the top 3 on my list for recommendations.

[rbbert]

There is a recommended break-in process for the INT-60. I think it's in the manual.

[XV-1]

Threads without pictures are useless

[Kuoppis]

Threads without pictures are useless

Sure .






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[Kuoppis]

This is quite a nice exercise with the INT-60. The Pass offers great flexibility through the opportunity to include your favorite preamp in the chain.

Ayre KX-5/20: this is quite an intriguing combination. Adding the Ayre Diamond stage to Pass dimensionality, brings out even further details and clarity. It is audible that the pre costs as much as the integrated itself.

Running the pass with its own pre (XP-10): it is very nice, resolving not quite as high as the KX-5/20, but delivering slightly more of the visceral Pass bottom end.

Ayre Codex as Pre/ DAC: Allows for some tuning towards more musicality in case the speakers/ chain demand that. With the musicality some of the resolution is traded in.

So, while the Codex also has the Ayre Diamond stage it is obviously not on the same level as a dedicated hi-end pre. The XP-10 integrated into the INT-60 draws a nice balance between resolution and musicality. In case I would decide to keep the Pass in my main system I might actually run it with the KX-5 as a pre.

In a brief summary so far, I would not have any problem keeping the Pass in my main system and could be very happy with it. I might even look for a Pass power amp. Like the tonality quite a bit.


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[Paul]

Congrats. Now I want one for myself. Sigh


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[kzhtoo]

This is quite a nice exercise with the INT-60. The Pass offers great flexibility through the opportunity to include your favorite preamp in the chain.

Ayre KX-5/20: this is quite an intriguing combination. Adding the Ayre Diamond stage to Pass dimensionality, brings out even further details and clarity. It is audible that the pre costs as much as the integrated itself.

Running the pass with its own pre (XP-10): it is very nice, resolving not quite as high as the KX-5/20, but delivering slightly more of the visceral Pass bottom end.

Ayre Codex as Pre/ DAC: Allows for some tuning towards more musicality in case the speakers/ chain demand that. With the musicality some of the resolution is traded in.

So, while the Codex also has the Ayre Diamond stage it is obviously not on the same level as a dedicated hi-end pre. The XP-10 integrated into the INT-60 draws a nice balance between resolution and musicality. In case I would decide to keep the Pass in my main system I might actually run it with the KX-5 as a pre.

In a brief summary so far, I would not have any problem keeping the Pass in my main system and could be very happy with it. I might even look for a Pass power amp. Like the tonality quite a bit.


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Second that. I love XA30.8 + KX-R (non-20) combo.

[Kuoppis]

Today I put back the Ayre to its original place and the INT-60 starts its journey to its final home.

Comparing the two, they are more alike than different. The Pass does maybe a tad more detailed imaging and the Ayre has a bit more pronounced bass and is a tad faster.

But I still like both.


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[Mike]

Today I put back the Ayre to its original place and the INT-60 starts its journey to its final home.

Comparing the two, they are more alike than different. The Pass does maybe a tad more detailed imaging and the Ayre has a bit more pronounced bass and is a tad faster.

But I still like both.


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Very interesting. So you sold the Pass and kept the Ayre?


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[Kuoppis]

Very interesting. So you sold the Pass?


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Nooope! I very much like it (and am keeping the Ayre too). It was from the get go intended for my small system in the summerhouse. It will be a killer combo with the Harbeths. Just a quick stop-over in my main system .

I think the INT-60 deserves all the praise it is receiving.

[Mike]

Nooope! I very much like it (and am keeping the Ayre too). It was from the get go intended for my small system in the summerhouse. It will be a killer combo with the Harbeths. Just a quick stop-over in my main system .

I think the INT-60 deserves all the praise it is receiving.

Great! I love the Pass INT-60. It's a home run. Ditto for the 250.


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[aardvarkbark]

.... Ditto for the 250.

+1

[Ritmo]

Nooope! I very much like it (and am keeping the Ayre too). It was from the get go intended for my small system in the summerhouse. It will be a killer combo with the Harbeths. Just a quick stop-over in my main system .

I think the INT-60 deserves all the praise it is receiving.

Pass + Harbeth = Great Musical Experience

[kzhtoo]

I read somewhere that INT-60's pre section may be based on the next generation of Pass pre and not XP-10. Exact quote I remember is "Pass has come a long way since XP-10". I hope so because when I switched from XP-20 to Ayre KX-R, there's really no going back.

I'm still keeping my Revelation Audio Umbilical cable for Pass pre in the hope that I'll see the next generation of Pass pre, whatever that may be, in my system.

[Kuoppis]

Ayre and Pass are really a great combination, having the INT-60 in my system raises the appetite for more.


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[Kuoppis]

I read somewhere that INT-60's pre section may be based on the next generation of Pass pre and not XP-10.

You might be right, I am not exactly sure. But would be great to find out if someone on AS knows.

Agree with you that it is unlikely Pass would have used the XP-10 again in a new concept, as it already has been on the market quite a while.


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[RDSChicago]

Congrats! What a great integrated. It's always one of the top 3 on my list for recommendations.

Mike, what are the other two integrated amps on your list of top 3?

[Mike]

Mike, what are the other two integrated amps on your list of top 3?

There are so many good ones (in no particular order):
Pass INT-60/250
Vitus SIA-025
ASR Emitter 2

The new CH Precision being debuted at Munich I bet is going to be superb (I've seen it, read the specs, very nice).

Some people say the Gryphon 300 is excellent, but I've never heard it and you can't forget that gorgeous D'Agostino integrated.

For power hungry speakers - the T+A 3100 (add the external PSU and get even more grunt and control). Build quality is second to none.

For tubes with some juice you have ARC, but the VAC 160iQ (coming in xx months) will be the one to watch IMO.

The Aavik U-300 for Raidho speakers is a PERFECT compliment integrated.

Viva Solista for Avantgarde and other high efficiency speakers (95db+).



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[mdp632]

I thought that unless one had a really high end integrated eg the Momentum and Soulution 5 series. That the majority of an integrated's pre section is just basically an input switcher. To save costs and space of course.

Btw, perhaps we will see the production Soulution 3 series integrated at Munich. I also own the INT-60 so, I'm a fan of integrated amplifiers as well. However, I do like the purity of the Pass product. Just the pre+amp sections. No need for a DAC and phono stage on my integrated. Although some would disagree.

[Kuoppis]

Uuh, aah, ooh... mmmmh. Yeah.

Pass INT-60 & Harbeth 3PSRs = great music!


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[kkfan]

However, I do like the purity of the Pass product. Just the pre+amp sections. No need for a DAC and phono stage on my integrated. Although some would disagree.

Agree 100%.

DACs evolve rapidly and, as a result, I like to have the option of being able to change the DAC while keeping my amp. The PASS INTs allow that.

[Kuoppis]

I mean this is just an integrated and not too powerful either. I just replaced a French boutique amp in my summerhouse system (not a bad one) with the INT-60.

But oh boy, how much better the Pass is in soundstaging, imaging, bass, top end resolution, basically everything.

I am just developing a deep admiration for grandmaster Pass. He really knows what he is doing. :feeling grateful:


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[Dguitarnut]

What the Pass Int-60 brings to the table is 30watts class A + 30 watts a/b. I was curious about at what point I was going to notice clipping and running out of headroom so I called Pass customer service and the fellow told off the book that completely floored the amp is not clipping. Sorta like a throttle limit switch. Also that it's probably leaving classA till it's at a very very high volume. I typically listen to the amp somewhere between 36 and 44 depending on material being played. I think it goes to 60. I have never had it above 47 or so in my smallish room and then it was to do air guitar to Voodoo Child revisited .
Oh and the Int60 is what the the customer service rep has at home!

[Kuoppis]

That is very interesting. The manual says its volume potentiometer scale is 0-64 I think. I tried it with the S3s up to the max level I cared for and the needle did not move.


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[rbbert]

Max volume is 63. It could clip depending on the input level. As noted, the meters won't move until leaving Class A.

[Siltech]

Wrong. The meter on the INT-60 doesn't measure bias voltage like Pass Lab amps. Therefore can't show when leaving Class A. Apparently, meter suppose to move at high current changes. You can call Pass Labs direct, and this is what they'll tell you. The INT-60 is great, but meter is mainly for show. And yes, I also own a INT-60 too.
SILTECH

[rbbert]

Could be; but here's a copy of part of an email to me from Pass

Dear Rob

In the case of the INT-60 we are going to see action on the meter that relates to output capability. The meter is going to start to swing right as the Int-60 comes out of pure Class-A operation. By the time the meter wand reaches the right hand side the amp is outputting at least 60 W.


And having said that, if the meter wand is hard right and the signal is not loud enough, then we've simply run out of amplifier wattage and a larger amplifier would be more appropriate.


Best
Kent English
Technical Support
Pass Laboratories
13395 New Airport Road
Suite G
Auburn CA 95602 USA


+1.530.878.5350
www.passlabs.com


that doesn't necessarily mean the meter is responding to bias changes; Pass may simply have calculated the current value where the amp leaves Class A and set the meter to start responding at that current level, but the end result is the same. The meter starts moving as the amp leaves Class A.

[Dguitarnut]

Could be; but here's a copy of part of an email to me from Pass

Dear Rob

In the case of the INT-60 we are going to see action on the meter that relates to output capability. The meter is going to start to swing right as the Int-60 comes out of pure Class-A operation. By the time the meter wand reaches the right hand side the amp is outputting at least 60 W.


And having said that, if the meter wand is hard right and the signal is not loud enough, then we've simply run out of amplifier wattage


that doesn't necessarily mean the meter is responding to bias changes; Pass may simply have calculated the current value where the amp leaves Class A and set the meter to start responding at that current level, but the end result is the same. The meter starts moving as the amp leaves Class A.

That's what I understood too in my conversation with the Pass rep. And he said that it would not get to a volume where clipping would occur. It just does not allow the amp to get louder. Like a throttle control. But there again he could be wrong or I misinterpreted what he said.

[Siltech]

I bought my INT-60 when it first came out. Look in your manual on page 5, it says INT-60 does NOT read bias voltage, like on there power amps. This is how it determines when leaving class A. Why, is the INT-60 the only Pass Labs product with a meter that doesn't measure bias voltage? It doesn't and can't tell you when leaving Class A. I owned my INT-60 for 1.5 years now. Pass Labs tech support told me it only customers like the meter and they added it, but not like meter design in amps. Also, can't tell you when leaving A. Somehow they try cautiously to say differently now. Call and ask them why it doesn't measure bias voltage, like there amps. I own a INT-60, and love it. I wish the meter showed when leaving Class A, it doesn't. Maybe there next designed integrated amp will. IT IS WHAT IS IS.
Siltech

[rbbert]

The metering on the INT-250 is (according to Pass) the same as on the INT-60. As far as "saying differently now", at THE Show a month before the INT-60 was released, Desmond Harrington told me that the meter was important from a marketing standpoint (as you say), and that although it wasn't quite the same as the meters on the power amps, it would provide essentially the same information.

[Kuoppis]

For me, and that's probably just me, I am right now completely oblivious to specs .

The INT-60 sounds just sooo good in my setup. What I needed more in the summerhouse system was sound staging. And in this respect Pass might just be the best there is.


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[Kuoppis]

In today’s Dec issue the Pass INT60 got a finalist + runner-up mention for Stereophile amp product of the year 2017. No shame in losing out against the 99 KUSD 1000 wpc Class A @8Ohms Boulder monster.

Well done, Nelson!


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