Follow-up to Solid State amp for B&W Matrix 801 Series II
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| Posted on June 27, 2016 at 10:06:11 | ||
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Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania Joined: March 20, 2004 |
I have been using these speakers for several years now with an ARC VT-100 Mk III tube power amplifier. The Stereophile review of the speakers strongly recommended a high powered, high current solid state amp for these speakers, and I posted a few inquiries here asking for recommendations especially from owners of Ayre, Bryston, Classe, Levinson, Parasound, Pass and so on. I write now to follow-up on the history since then, with thanks to those who responded earlier with recommendations. I tried a Parasound A-21 and a Bryston 4B ST and didn't care for either of them. I have just received a used Pass Labs X-250.5 and have been comparing it to the ARC amp now for a few days. First, the Pass amp is, by a long shot, the best sounding high powered solid state amp I have ever heard. It is the most tube-like s/s amp I have ever heard. It is extremely detailed with a relaxed musical presentation that avoids that over-crisp "hi-fi" detail of so many s/s amps I have heared. I have been hem-hawing for the time I have had it as to whether I prefer it to the ARC tube amp, which still sounds amazingly good to me. I will have to do some more careful listening for awhile and am enjoying this comparison greatly. I'll likely post again if and when I can decide on a preference. Enjoy your music, George
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