Taking the Hi End Plunge?

[JohnMichael]

I have to ask what cables are you using? I almost hate to open that can of worms but they are a component also and a step up in cables along with the new amp might really kick up your system.

[blackraven]

I use BJC and audioquest corals. I have also used Tara Labs which are way too bright sounding. I tried some high end Synergistic Research cables that one of our members sent me and they did not sound any better than my BJC's. They had a tad more transparency but less detail than the BJC's.

All I can is that when I auditioned the the Van Alstine 600R it transformed my system. The level of detail and resolution was superb. The transparency and sound stage was insanely good. Even compressed recordings opened up and sounded good. I thought about getting a 600R or 400R but they leaned a little to the bright side in my system and I don't want to have to get into rolling tubes again to bring it over to the slightly warmer presentation that I prefer. The Vincent amp can do that for me but after reading reviews and talking with Mr P, I think that the Pass amp may be the way to go.

[JohnMichael]

I have recently switched to Transparent Cables that Mr. P had suggested. They kick the performance up several notches. I went from a diehard solid core fan to a Transparent Cable fan.

[frenchmon]

Kindly tell me what the reviews said that swayed you toward the Pass? the Pass is a great amp...but thats not to say the Vincent isn't. In all honesty, I think the textures from the individual notes will be richer...especially in the midrange with the Vincent. Peabodys Pass is 250 wpc and the firest 15 class A. The Vincent is 150 wpc with the first 10 class A. I think the Pass has a better control over lower bass notes, but I think the tubes give the better texture especially with midrange presence. Both amps are beast with the Pass Labs being more of a beast! But neither Peabody or I will every use all the watts the amps offer...and I really dont think I have ever been out of Class A yet. 10 Watts is awful loud.

[frenchmon]

Raven...the only negative thing I read about the Vincent SP-331 MK was when the Absolute sound did a review on the amp. They gave it a glowing review and even an award, but said when driven to its volume peak, it kinda strained . But again, they where driving....yes you guessed it, some power hungry Maggies! So if that's your reason for not going with the Vincent I understand...but then again, Maggies can make a lot of amps crap out. But who drives an amp like that in their homes any way?

[blackraven]

Frenchmon, my Parasound is class A for the first 8-10 watts. The X250 is 20watts in class A and peaks even higher from what I have read. And the A21 actually specs out much better than the Pass amps and has higher current at 60 amps but specs aren't every thing. As for the tube sound, my hybrid preamp and hybrid dac provide that. I am looking for more detail and transparency.

Here are some reviews of the Pass

Pass Laboratories Supersymmetry™ Balanced Single-Ended Class-A X250 Stereo Amplifier by A. Colin Flood

Product Review

http://www.stereotimes.com/amp051403.shtml

[frenchmon]

Oh I know what the Pass can do and is like....Its a great amp. So you say the A21 is not transparent and not detailed?

[blackraven]

I am not saying that the A21 is not transparent and detailed. But after having a 600R amp in home for 3 days of fun, I was left wanting more. The A21 is a great amp, fast paced, detailed with deep, well controlled bass with a nice midrange and treble. There is a little grain in the upper treble. The 600R just showed me how much better my system can sound. I am not even sure if I am going to sell the A21 after I get the Pass. I would like to use it with my MMMG'S and my Grant Fidelity.

I would probably love the Vincent amp and be perfectly happy with it, but to be able to buy a Pass X-250 for $2600 is too good to pass up (no pun intended). The amp listed for $6000 in 2002. If I don't like it I could sell it and give the Vincent a go.