How much one have to throw on window to listen a song ? What a sound system is ? A creation who reproduces sounds. As they are in reality. THE MANUFACTURERS CAN CREATE SOUND SYSTEMS ONLY IF THEY ARE PERFORMANT AND VERY VERY EXPENSIVE. SO WE LIVE IN A SICK SICK WORLD.
I loved the sound and I would have kept it but I wanted something with more power as I plan to upgrade speakers. I went from loving the Boulder to really loving the Pass. Plus as a bonus it was cheaper however less of a featured integrated amp because it doesn’t have Bluetooth and streaming and air play and a dac
The DAC Module in this McIntosh Integrated is their latest...the DA2. What do you think of it?...Did you listen to any Hi-Rez music files using this Mac amp/DAC? What were a few of your your listening impressions? Thanks!
Unfortunately I should have but I didn’t use the internal dac so I can’t comment on that. I do like that is included for those that don’t want extras sitting out. I really wanted to use the same Dac for all of the integrateds I was trying.
I own a Luxman 507 UX ii and I’ve never felt it was too bright or caused any listening fatigue. Quite the opposite. I find the highs to be smooth and almost liquid, but not lacking in detail. Overall I’d say the Luxman I have is a touch laid back in its presentation and highly enjoyable for extended listening.
Thank you for this comment! This could help the group reading the chats. I did have a dealer tell me when I discussed the issues I had with the 509 and they did recommend the 507 is warmer and more musical. Thank you for the comment and I’m glad you are enjoying your Luxman!
nice.. I actually spend an hour listening to you .. I guess because I can relate very well to your mindset to the hobby. I want to change my amp to an amp of this league... either this Pass int250 ... or the T+A PA 3100HV .. or a soulnote A3 ..or the audio analogue maestro anniversary. ... and I cannot demo any of them ... and I certainly can´t listen to any pro reviewer anymore :-) so thanks for your review . have you maybe had the chance to listen to the pass int250 paired with sonus faber olympica nova towers?
Thanks for watching. I have heard several different sonus faber paired with Mac gear which seems like the most paired out there. They sound wonderful and have the most realistic piano I have ever heard and they are just beautiful! I have not heard any paired with a Pass as there are no pass labs dealers in my area only Sonus Faber. This is only a general observation and should not replace an audition if you can but with Pass being a bit warmer and a bit softer and having the power it may be a good pairing. I think there would be more energy up top however than using a Mac in my experience. Just because to me Mac seems to warm up a speaker aka focus more on the mid range.
If this amp proves to be reliable then it’s a good choice regarding value. I considered it or the 3200 but concerned about reliability of its potentially over sensitive protection circuit that has been reported. I’m nearing on pulling the trigger on a Accuphase and Audiovector speakers but that’s over 30k for just 2 components. Pretty crazy I know.
Thanks for the comment. I think this helps the group. I have read that and was personally concerned myself. To me those having issues seemed to be on the 3200 other than a few people commenting that’s all I know. If it helps. With the 2200 I was using it with Wilson Sabrina’s that dipped down to 2.6 ohms and I never got it to go in protection mode. I didn’t blast it but definitely rocked out on occasion.
A superb review. I’ve watch your mc8950 too. But lm a bit not sure which amp to go for. I have Sonus faber Olympica nova II speakers. I would really appreciate your recommendation between these 2 amps. Thank you
Hi, I stumbled onto your video today and really enjoyed it. You are relatable. I am fairly new to the hi fi world and encountered many of the struggles you discussed. Not being able to demo equipment and having to rely on others. Its refreshing to hear opinions from "non professional" reviewer. It feels like everything they review sounds amazing and after a while all of their reviews start to sound the same. I'm personally deciding between Pass Labs, Gryphon Diablo, Accuphase and Luxman so this was extra relevant!
From your the way you describe your Luxman issues, it sounds like you need diffusion and acoustical time treatment and to get rid a bit of RFI/EMI that comes in via safety ground (cleaning your safety ground).
Thank you for the tip! I am working on room treatments and it is helping. I fixed the problem but going to a different amp that I’m really enjoying! Thanks for watching!
Gotta say, the Mcintosh is absolutely Gorgeous!! But I dunno - for the Price, Yamaha is great!! Although if you're trying to impress your wannabe Audiophile buddies, the Mcintosh is still Very Nice!
It definitely has noticeably impactful sound versus the Yamaha. It’s hard to say for someone if that is worth the price for admission. There is something cool and nostalgic about having a Mac on display and why it’s the biggest and most recognized piece you see in movies. Thanks for watching
Hi! I just discovered you, searching for reviews of the boulder 866, and i have to say, knowing other reviewers, beeing (and running )in many forum-communities ,that your natural,authentic style of presentation/and reviewing/appeals to me just like your musical preferences : honest,warm,natural,authentic...i like that a lot! I will go on and spread your channel. You have earned that pretty well. Mischa ,from (unfortunatelly)Germany Ps : if i can ,maybe, help you out with,let's say,"oversea-problem-stuff",just let me know Highest audiophile regards Mischa (Fuchs)
Thank you very much for your kind words! Hopefully the reviews helped your decision. Much appreciate your note and taking the time to watch. I haven’t been to Germany but have heard it’s beautiful!
Thanks a lot for the review, actually i come from Mcintosh and definitely the level of details especially on highs is stunning but from other side could result tiring as too many information, kind of difficult to not get focus on the sound, it is amazing how it gets you into the performance but from other side it is not that relaxing, it is not a down point whether question of taste.I like this amp inside and outside but it is not for everyone (whoever comes from Mc would need little time to get used to).
It’s great hearing there are other people with the same experience! My sentiments exactly. I felt the same way-I could sit down and relax with the Mac and it called me down to listen.
I love my INT-250. Has great power but the sound is why I bought into Pass Labs. This is an endgame amplifier for me. Digital may change as well as speakers but not the amp. Thank you for putting this review out. Very thorough job on a great component.
I’ve owned a Pass Labs INT 250.8 for around 2 years. It replaced a pair of M100 valve mono blocks which i eventually fried. The Pass blows the mono blocks into the weeds on every level. Even after 2 years it still surprises me just how good it sounds. BTW my usual listening level is 52 on the Pass. Yeah - LOUD. And feed it with golden age jazz fusion, it sounds glorious. For me the amp selection now is done and dusted. If I was going to tinker with my hifi it wouldn’t be the Pass. I use a full Spec Michell Orbe with SME V, full spec delphini phono and B&W 802n speakers. All my serious listening is on vinyl only.
Thank you for your kind words! I completely agree. It should work well with bigger speakers as pass has told me so I am considering the Wilson upgrade path. I am currently pairing the dcs lina with it which I LOVE! Thanks for watching!
Hello Friend. I believe you are having problems with the quality of the electricity you receive from the street. The Luxman shouldn't sound shrill or tiring. Albero Cucio São Paulo - Brazil
I have owned seven of their products ( 3 phono pres , 2 preamps and 2 power amps ) and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Customer service has been fine including the retail store.
Sadly the Ragnarok is discontinued so they are selling off the remaining stock. Sadly power switch on back, ultra small icons, on telephone support and the cheap remote in a solid aluminum block are traditions that Jason Stoddard has no intention of changing. They have been adding stand-by to there speaker amps, so maybe more in the future.
This is good information to know if we buy other pieces. I’m hopeful that they make a 3. I feel there is room for an integrated amp in their line up for those wanting a space conscious set up. Hopefully there will be a Ragnarok 3!! Thanks for the comment and for watching.
I'm sorry but these overpriced amps are just a gimmick, I've listened to serval amps over 8k that are good but not worth that huge increase.. my Yamaha r-n2000a was not cheap but it keeps up with these types of amps... Anyway, good for you buddy. The amp does look great.
There is a lot that goes into the price tag of these. Quality of craftsmanship, built in the US, looks as well as sound quality. I don’t doubt that there isn’t a “McIntosh tax”. Listening to these more expensive amps, I do feel that the sound quality is really good, but feel it’s up to the purchaser to see if really good is worth the increase in price. I think there are as everyone speaks of incremental gains and diminishing returns and ultimately comparing lower price gear to higher priced gear is interesting and is important to do if you are trying to balance quality and sound with value. Thanks for your comment and for watching!
I would agree. I feel that its natural tone would be a great pair with Klipsch and their horned designs, as well as a good pairing due to their efficiency. If you have a little more room in your budget and more room on your shelf I also reviewed the Shiit Ragnarok and paired that with Klipsch floorstanders. Both have that natural tone. Thanks for your comment!
很多国外的网友推荐我用pass的INT 250（我现在用一对Gershman Black swans，10美元的D类功放）但是，他不能控制音调。 力士509X和历史509系列我非常喜欢它的能控制音调，但是据说她的声音在高音部分强调很多，所以说我不能买。这让我非常纠结.有没有方法让我既能得到力士509x的音调控制，又能有NT250的声音。😅
I mean, the Luxman had tone controls. If you liked it in every other way, why not just use the tone control to bring it down. As I've said in your other video, I'm very certain the Luxman doesn't have an accentuated treble, I've used it with a large variety of speakers, some known for being bright and it never excited them too much. I think the issue as ever, is that the Wilsons need driving. I've heard Yvette's sound terrible on the back of otherwise neutral amps, they need a hell of a lot of current and power to keep the bass and mids in line with the treble. I suspect the Luxman wasn't capable of that.
Thank again for the comment! I did try the tone controls on the Luxman however, I felt there is a noticeable sound difference switching the unit out of "straight" to be able to use tone controls - it took away some of the magic I thought. The veil we speak of I guess if I can put a description to it. Im on the same page, it may not have been the best match with the Sabrina but I do know there are a number of people that pair the two and dealers do recommend if someone doesn't want to move up to the Luxman separates. I do feel that was definitely missing - sheer power and drive of the Sabrina.
You need significantly more power for Wilsons than the 509X is capable of providing. I say this as a 509X owner, its a superb amp, but its not a powerhouse, and has a fairly small power supply. It's good into 8 ohm speakers that occasionally dip, but its not an amp I'd pick to run 4 ohm loads forever. It's just not that gutsy. It probably sounds brighter in your setup as it lacks the current to really balance the bass and mids on the Wilsons with the treble. In my system the 509X is smooth as silk, into speakers well known for occasionally bring bright. Just a sub optimal match sadly. With the Mac I'd have experimented with the different output taps, as changing up to the higher impedance taps can often bring out a cleaner top end response from the amp. Perhaps think about looking at the vitus audio 101 integrated, or one of the bigger perreaux models for something with more grip in the lower registers without going too far on the high end.
This is helpful info for all, thank you kindly for taking the time to share your experience. Interesting to learn the 509 is smooth into a bright speaker in your experience, I think this shows as a great example that at the end of the day best to demo if possible in their own system. I agree, I think that is what I was missing from the 509X, sheer power it seemed a little lean and may have been showcasing even more of the top end. Again, it did sound amazing but ultimately found a pairing more to my liking with the Pass Lab integrated. Your note on the Macintosh taps - I should have mentioned that in the review - that is exactly what I found. It opened up and brought more detail using the 8ohm tap for sure. Good stuff!
Basically, I am in the same boat planning for my next upgrade between exactly either the Diablo 300 or INT-250. Once I started diving into it, initially I thought the Gryphon was mainly popular in Europe, boy was I wrong! I am in Asia, once I started looking into it, it very quickly became apparent that the Diablo 300 is almost like a standard issued piece for people who might have had a few integrateds and are finally moving up to a high end integrated. If you find it forward, then I would understand why folks like it especially over here where a lot of people like female vocals in your face whereby you can hear the breathing. I have been looking into the Pass too, I just wasn't sure whether it kind of lacks some excitement. If you have done your research, there is a Korean dealer that has shot and posted a series of demos with the INT-250 together with the Wilson Sabrina and the Meitner MA3 DAC. If you haven't, you should check out the videos on RU-vid. I thought it sounded pretty good especially for my audiophile type of music which is mainly female jazz vocals. However, if I had to over-simplify my music collection, it is basically old jazz such as the likes of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Cannonball Adderley etc plus the female jazz vocals as mentioned earlier versus acid jazz from the 90's. I am not concerned with old jazz and female jazz vocals for the Pass, but would it be alive enough for acid jazz? Will it get my feet tapping I wonder? It presented a question mark for me as I am just not sure. I did hear a Korean dealer playing Weeknd's "I Feel It Coming" on RU-vid with a pair of Marten Oscar Trio. It sounded OK. May be I can name a few tracks and hopefully when you have time you could stream them and let me know how they sound on the Pass with your Sabrina. I will just pick a couple of random tracks, 1) "London Life" by Down To The Bone and 2) "This Time Around" by Four80East. Price point wise, I don't know about the States, but the Gryphon is very reasonable here. Like you said, the DAC and phono stage modules are optional. So, just the amp alone is just a tad over US$9.3K. The Pass on the other hand is a bit more at US$12.7K. So, the Diablo 300 price wise is very attractive, plus you don't need the DAC module anyway as most people would have an external DAC. Their internal DAC is very overpriced, you are better off getting your own. Looks wise though, I got to say I am not a fan of that "alien mothership" look of the Gryphon and would much prefer the look of the Pass. Last but not least, speakers pairing. The Sabrina X while is Wilson's entry level floorstanders, they ain't cheap. In the UK is GBP 26,500. That to me is quite a lot, but at that price point, personally I would go for the MBL 116F. You might not like them as it is very airy. The soundstaging is insane. I first heard MBL back in early 2000's and it blew my mind which is why even to date I am still dreaming of them. That multidirectional tech is just something else. But, since you like things super lush and warm, it might not suit you. So, this is where I am at. I am not saying I like my music forward, but to me the amp will have to be able to play my plethora of music. I did check with a US dealer on RU-vid who has both and asked for his opinion, the person said the Pass is better because it is less dark than the Gryphon.
the high energy in the upper frequencies - it really depends on what you're pairing it with. if you're pairing the unit with a warm speaker this could balance out very nicely. but if you combine it with neutral or brighter gear then it could push it over the edge and sound a bit clinical. there's even a massive difference for example when i use my Lumin D2 vs Lumin X1 streamer with this. The Lumin D2 has a Wolfson WM8741 dac and actually pairs perfectly with this unit because the dac is a warmer dac. lots of people out there criticise Luxman for sound bright but in fact, i'd categorise it more as a ''sweeter-detailed high freq.'' bright would be more the early-mid 2000s Klipsch reference sound...
I'm more likely to blame the Wilsons in this respect, or rather a mismatch between the Luxman and the Wilsons. The Wilsons want huge dollops of high current power, or IMHO they can become edgy. It's less that the Wilsons become toppy, but more than without sufficient power, you don't get the heft from the mids and bass that is needed to balance things out. The Luxman is amazing, but its not a power house. I use a 509X with a pair of Harbeth SHL5+, a speaker well known for being very clean, open, airy and with the dual tweeter setup, it doesn't take much to push it into bright, and my system is anything but. The Luxman sounded smooth, elegant, clean and well controlled with these easier to drive speakers. It was exactly what I wanted from an amplifier, easily seeing out the rather dull sounding Hegel H590.
@@iamthewizard2 yep, the 590 sounded broken! For most "real world" speakers, the Luxman is smooth and clean and pretty much pure neutral, but accuphase does tend towards the slightly softer version of events. If you want to hear more clinical brightness, then esoteric would be the way! basically to me those top three are on the 3 parts of the spectrum from bright to warm, with esoteric at the top, Luxman in the middle and accuphase at the warm side. That said, I did love my old E550 accuphase into tannoys!
@1061shrink1061 100% agree on that assessment. I still love my luxman solid states and listen to the 509x every now and then but these days im leaning towards my tube amps a lot more for extra smoothness and warmth.
Take a look at Accuphase. Will give you the same Japanese build quality and excellent sound quality without the treble fatigue as its slightly warmer sounding than Luxman designs.
Excellent review. I own a L-509x and it took about 300 hours to break-in, once it was broken in I noticed the emphasis on the highs smoothed out a bit. I am also thinking about testing the Accuphase E-4000.
Cheaper stuff in a well-treated room sounds way better, then expensive stuff in a room that's not treated well. You mentioned that you did all your comparisons in a room that basically had no treatment..... That's too bad. I feel like your opinion could have dramatically changed if you were taken care of the room first.... Hired someone, spend some of that budget we're honestly it matters most.
We are adding more treatments and it does improve the enjoyment of the listening sound overall. But I’m only willing to go so far as it is a living space and unfortunately not a dedicated listening room.
Using a room treatment made a big difference for me, switching to Transparent Plus Speaker cables also made a difference. I have tried the Pass Labs Int 250 and if you can live with the significant heat(this will heat up your room) and the weight, and the fact that is only sounds good after half an hour of warming up, than it’s a great amp, a sweet, warm sound. The Accuphase e-800 is absolutely fantastic, but very expensive on the US market
The e-800 does look like an awesome amp. I would love the opportunity to hear one but I don’t have any dealers close by. It’s interesting the comment on the pass heat. Mine doesn’t get any warmer than any other amp I’ve had. But yes I do feel like the sound keeps getting sweeter the longer I listen to it. Thanks for watching!
The brightness you speak of is likely due to all the bare walls and hard surfaces in the room. Some treatment will help. Also, you did not discuss how it sounds with poorly recorded music, which is the majority of recorded music out there, especially rock recordings.
Thanks for watching. I am only going to put up so many treatments and was in search of a warmer listening experience. I don’t know that the Luxmon would be my choice for rock music. The Mac would be something I would use for rock music. I actually enjoyed listening to Rock on the Mac a lot. I felt it toned the harshness of the genre and poor recordings. It had the power and bass to match.
Puleeeeeese! That Amplifier Cost As Much as BOTH of my 7.2 Total Home Theater Systems - Each with bravia 4k, marantz AV, 9 Klipsch Speakers and Sony Blue Ray.
No I have not had the pleasure of trying that yet but have heard good things! It’s intriguing that they make higher powered amps. But when you import are they American voltage or do you have to do work to them?
