Results 1 to 28 of 28
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April 19, 2018, 08:53 AM #1
Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Just curious what a realistic service life of pretty warm/hot running amps would be in the real world.
I know maybe I don't keep things long enough, but someone out there must have mature systems.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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April 19, 2018, 12:51 PM #2
- Join Date
- Apr 2013
- Location
- Lower Provo River
- Posts
- 208
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April 19, 2018, 02:03 PM #3
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I’ve already had my X250.8 for half a year now - that’s a lots for an audiophile.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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April 19, 2018, 02:18 PM #4
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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April 19, 2018, 08:29 PM #5
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I have Pass Aleph 0 monoblocks. 70 watt Class A and they’re working like they were new. They drive any speakers given their impedance curve. Highly recommended.
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April 19, 2018, 09:46 PM #6
Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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April 19, 2018, 09:57 PM #7
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
My X250 is over 10 years old and still going strong. I did have its blue meter replaced once and has been in for a check up. Mr. P still has his X250 and probably wants to sell his since he bought a Levinson 532H.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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April 19, 2018, 10:11 PM #8
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Thank you gentleman. I appreciate all the feedback.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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April 19, 2018, 10:17 PM #9
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,069
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I know you said "still use", I have a Threshold s300, it's sitting now but not long ago got use severl times a week in my workout area. It still works fine, I just have a Coda in it's place. The s300 never got that hot. I gave the x250 plenty of ventilation, the case was warm to the touch when ran hard but never to where it was uncomfortable to touch.
I did sell my X250 to pay toward the 532h.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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April 20, 2018, 01:01 AM #10
- Join Date
- Oct 2015
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Posts
- 67
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
4 years with my XA100.5’s and no issues or degradation in sound.
Main System:
Speakers: Magico S3 MK1 | Amp: Boulder 1160 | Pre-Amp: Ref10 | Digital: DCS Vivaldi 3/4 stack & esoteric K07x | Phono-Pre: ARC Ref 2se | Phono: AMG Viella w\ 12JT & Benz LPS cart.
Living Room:
Speakers: KEF LS50 | Amp: Primaluna Prologue Premium | Digital: Lumin D2
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April 22, 2018, 12:00 AM #11
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Ive been playing my xa100.8's alot after Axpona. They sound great are still hard to get past. I keeep looking for an upper level tube solution but I will probably still keep the pass labs and use both.
Kronos Sparta / Miyajima Madake / New Audio Frontiers Stradivari Phono / Taiko Extreme / Aqua Acoustics Formula XHD / Townshend Allegri Reference / New Audio Frontiers Reference 845 Mono SE / Marten Coltrane Soprano / Artesania Audio Exoteryc rack / Daiza Isolation
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April 22, 2018, 11:27 PM #12
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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April 22, 2018, 11:38 PM #13
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Good to know. Thanks Ken. My friend who sold them to me is friends with Nelson and was using them to drive the mids of his Linkwitz Orion’s. When he built Linkwitz’s newest speaker design, the LX521’s, he replaced the 0’s with XA60.5’s and I’ve had the Aleph 0’s ever since. They are gorgeous-sounding amps. Lately I’ve tried them out on restored Quad 57’s. Even though many say tube amps work best with them, I still haven’t found a tube amp that sounds as good as the 0’s! They are keepers, for sure. Thanks again.
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April 23, 2018, 02:15 AM #14
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Interesting.
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April 23, 2018, 11:23 AM #15
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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April 23, 2018, 01:47 PM #16
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
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April 25, 2018, 09:08 PM #17
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I've had my XA160.5s for 8 years now. They are most definitely lifers for me.
George
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Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers
Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolators | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner
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April 25, 2018, 10:16 PM #18
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Last edited by joeinid; April 25, 2018 at 10:25 PM.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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May 13, 2018, 01:14 PM #19
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Posts
- 82
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
at today Xa100.8 before Xa100.5 and too X250.5. Passlabs best ampli for me? Xa160.5
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May 13, 2018, 03:16 PM #20
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I am breaking in a Pass XA25 for one of my brothers. He picks it up next weekend. Ugh. I love this thing. I am getting one for myself. It's just too good.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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May 13, 2018, 03:18 PM #21
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Joe, what preamp and speakers are you driving it with and can you describe what makes it so special?
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May 13, 2018, 03:38 PM #22
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,069
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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May 13, 2018, 04:10 PM #23
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I'm using the Luxman C900u, but Mike insists the Ref 10 kills with it. I'll take his word.
I've been using the Revel Studio2. For me, it feels like it has more than enough power. I'll be honest, coming from the Dags, the first week with the XA25 was a little rough. Not smooth and a little aggressive on top but after a few days in, it really started to open up, smooth out and sweeten up. Of course the price delta is substantial but now, it's holding its own.
Slightly more tube-like compared to other SS amps. Very natural vocals. Piano is wonderful. Sweet, pure and delicate tone with plenty of meat on the bone. I don't crank my music but it goes loud enough for me. Bass is a little rounder and fuller than higher wattage SS. The last review stated it tops out at 80wpc @ 8 ohms and 140wpc @ 4 ohms. My Studio2 are about 6 ohms and works great.
I can only imagine speakers like the Verity Othello or Mike's AG Duos (or Unos for that matter), or any slightly more sensitive speakers. OMG! Love this amp. While high (and higher) power amps are necessary and have their place, I ultimately prefer simpler, more modest amps, so long as they are up to the speakers at hand. The XA25 seems to be an open window to what is the best of tubes and SS. An absolute bargain.
Hahahahaha, I agree. It's a tough job but I'm getting through it.Last edited by joeinid; May 13, 2018 at 04:14 PM.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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September 26, 2018, 02:59 PM #24
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I use an X250.5 which runs at 126 degrees (to the touch). It heats up my modest sound room which is usually 5 degrees hotter than the rest of my house, when listening. The meter does not move, meaning it is running in class “A”. It needs one hour of warmup. I have absolutely no motivation to upgrade. It does not offer crow-bar control, but plays beautiful music and is as dynamic as hell. For me I am all set in the power amplifier department.
== Joe ==
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September 26, 2018, 04:21 PM #25
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
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September 26, 2018, 05:27 PM #26
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
Dear Chicago: A bummer ? No, that’s an absolute pleasure. My tube preamp needs 4 hrs before it starts to perform. And I would never leave a class “A” amp, or anything biased into class “A” , on all the time. My X250.5 is biased into class “A” for 25 watts. Anyway, I live in the lightning capital of the world. If you want any hifi at all, use the on/off switch religiously. Better yet, turn off the power conditioner. I do both. I unplug everything with the threat of really bad stuff coming my way. And my whole house is surge protected. But a lighning hit could burn the whole place down. I won’t be worried about my hifi then. Just my wife and daughter.
== Joe ==
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September 26, 2018, 07:26 PM #27
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- St. Louis, MO, USA
- Posts
- 3,069
Re: Who has, and is using daily, the oldest Pass Labs amp(s)?
I used to leave my x250 on but in standby. When coming out of standby it took about 45 minutes to open up. Just like a tube amp. My Coda is similar, the Levinson to a lesser extent, it sounds better after some time but not as much time as the other two.
Anyone know if this is a trait of Class A. That would make sense if true, the Levinson is less biased into Class A. I never noticed the difference on Krell, which I believe even less Class A bias than any of them.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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September 26, 2018, 08:10 PM #28Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
EQ: DEQX HDP-4
Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
Speakers: Wilson Maxx3
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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