Pass or VAC for Magico

R

rjc1845

Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2017
Messages
45
Location
Bluffton,SC
I'm trying to make a decision on amplifier for my S1's. I'm down to a Pass XA100.8 or VAC IQ200 single stereo amp. I plan on using my Bricasti M1-SE DAC for volume control. Additionally, I'll likely upgrade in coming months to S3's.

i have never heard the VAC product before but am familiar with Pass (had INT60 with this system).

i welcome any and all opinions. Thanks.

Bob
 
Between those two options, it's a no brainer imho...Vac IQ200. That said, I think you should add the Vitus SIA-025 Mk2 to your audition list ;).
 
How big is your room? What type of music do you listen to?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I owned the Pass XA-100.8 when I had Revel Salon 2's and they are very fine sounding amps.

Best,
Ken
 
Mike,

my my room is relatively small....17x14x8. Listen to wide genre of music and found the INT-60 driving the S1 was very good with acoustical, small ensemble, jazz recordings. The areas of improvement I'm looking for are better transparency, dynamics and for the system to hold together for orchestral pieces. I do know I'll only get so much improvement with a 2 way.
 
rjc1845 said:
Mike,

my my room is relatively small....17x14x8. Listen to wide genre of music and found the INT-60 driving the S1 was very good with acoustical, small ensemble, jazz recordings. The areas of improvement I'm looking for are better transparency, dynamics and for the system to hold together for orchestral pieces. I do know I'll only get so much improvement with a 2 way.
Click to expand...

Both amps will create heat, but a lot more with the Pass XA100.8's.

Typically, a class AB will give you better transparency, dynamics and hold the orchestral pieces together better IMO. The Pass x350.8 for example would shine here and still retain the qualities you love for acoustic, small jazz ensemble, etc. But again, you will have heat issues in your room.

Do you have a way to control the heat in your room (i.e. separate AC?)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rjc, If you're planning on upgrading to S3's, I'd recommend buying an amp for your next speakers. Magicos like warm tube-like or tubed amps with a strong psu and plenty of current.
 
Since I live in the Greater Boston area heat is not that big of an issue.....in fact welcome during 3 seasons. I have central AC for summer listening . Additionally, the room has 2 wide entrances which allow heat to escape to other areas of the house. Certainly not ideal for room acoustics but "it is what it is". I'm looking forward to retiring next year and finding a new home in warmer climes with a better room��
 
Ok, that's good to know. But if you're going to move to a warmer climate, it's something to consider.

I agree with others that Vitus is ideal, but I assume you have a budget in mind?

I absolutely love the VAC on the S1 mk2, S3 mk2, S5 mk2 and M3's. It's sublime and you can change the tubes to get the flavor you desire. KT150's would give you the big dynamics, control, etc. and give you all the goodness for small jazz performances, female vocal, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for the input. I'm not so familiar with Vitus and spent the better part of the day learning about their products. My conclusion......excellent and pricey.

i did see may review 2013-2014 that were very favorable on their Ref. Line integrated with Magico (Q7 and others). It's an AB design at 300 wpc. Is the Sig. line that much better ?
 
Mike said:
Yes. And their Masterpiece series is better yet again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Thats true, though the biggest jump in sound is from the Reference to Signature series. But the MP series power amp & monos are insane :audiophile:.
 
Melbguy1 said:
Thats true, though the biggest jump in sound is from the Reference to Signature series. But the MP series power amp & monos are insane :audiophile:.
Click to expand...

Hi.
i see that you've got the SIA25, do you feel its holding the S5mk2 to its max?
do you listen to a full orchestral pieces and getting all that energy come out?
i know its turning to 100 AB after the first 25A, but does it enough for your liking?
i'm asking just to get a perspective idea from S line users for their amplification choices and what they feel for power needs.

thanks for advance.
A.
 
byrdparis said:
i'm asking just to get a perspective idea from S line users for their amplification choices and what they feel for power needs.

thanks for advance.
A.
Click to expand...

I run my S3 mk1 with Pass XA30.8 and never felt they are limited in any way. But then again my listening position is about 10' from the speakers.
 
kzhtoo said:
I run my S3 mk1 with Pass XA30.8 and never felt they are limited in any way. But then again my listening position is about 10' from the speakers.
Click to expand...

A friend of mine also got the S3 mk1 and ran a Luxman 800 (120w in 4ohm! Class A)
and when he switched for the 900 (AB class with a lot more power!) he felt his S3 gone for an intirly different level all together. (He also sits 9-10' from his speakers). We listen to a lot!!! Of classical music, piano based and huge orchestral works.
I in the verge of ordering a S3 mk2 myself and running a kt120 tube based monoblocks (outputing 120w continues and 240 peak) in a small room. I seat 6-7' from my speakers.
I feal like it will be more then enough but I'm sure preparing myself I will need a bigger amps for those baby's.
(although mike is running them with vac's and kt88 in a very big room (vs my own), so.. I was taking some break to hear that he is happy about it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top