looking at pass labs.

[Old Bob]

I first posted in "amps" and then decided to come to this Pass forum.

in brief: after I find better speakers, I am considering Pass Labs. currently, room is just 13 by 13 feet with 10 foot ceiling. bowers and wilkins CM6 S2 speakers, lovely Triode tube integrated amp, 50 watts/channel of class A power. great amp! oppo 105 CD player, two REL subs. I first am struggling to find speakers that sound BETTER, not LOUDER than my B&W. I cannot afford $20,000 speakers!!!! speakers are 88dB sensitive, PLENTY loud enough. they sound pretty bright, too much treble to me. the subs helped a LOT. mostly listening to full orchestra classical music, not deafening loud. they do have lots of detail.

I am just learning about Nelson Pass, interesting character! a true original thinker- not too many of those around.

so, basic dumb question, without breaking the bank, can you Pass experts suggest some integrated or preamp and power amp Pass Labs for me to consider.

I THINK the int 60 would really fit my needs, and budget. would it sound different than my tube amp???????????????

what about first watt? any of you have that product? what efficiency speaker might I need for those?

I would appreciate any and all advice, I will not be offended.

I think Pass Labs is very interesting!!

thanks and have a great day! bob

[Mike]

The Pass INT-60 is a great way to go. In your room, it should drive most speakers. An INT-60 with a pair of ELAC 61's would be a great combo.


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[GSOphile]

I think you should select your speakers first - before shopping for a best fit amp. Advertised speaker specs don't always tell the whole story depending on how measured, your room, your music, and how loud you like to listen.

Pass amps are excellent, and the Int-60 may turn out to be a great fit for you, but first things first. Based on your too bright comment, I'd suggest you take a listen to Aerial 7Ts (or maybe 6Ts) if you can find a dealer.

[mdp632]

I agree with the speakers first suggestion. A friend on mine was between b&w and KEF and selected kef over bowers. We had both speakers in the same room connected to the same electronics.

kef was a much higher resolution speaker over the similar priced bowers. Kef makes a wide variety of ranges in various price points but the reference series is truly special.

[Old Bob]

thanks guys! I absolutely will get speakers first!

[sharkmouth]

Be very careful Bob, the rabbit hole is "deep"!

[Phishphan]

I agree with the speakers first suggestion. A friend on mine was between b&w and KEF and selected kef over bowers. We had both speakers in the same room connected to the same electronics.

kef was a much higher resolution speaker over the similar priced bowers. Kef makes a wide variety of ranges in various price points but the reference series is truly special.

I found the same thing when I was looking at B&W vs Kef. Bowers have a little more bottom end, but lack the clarity in the upper range. B&W was more warm/smooth sounding in the upper range. Kef is crisp and clean. I ended up with Kef Reference 5s powered my Bryston 28b3s.


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