Pass Labs Int-30A

[SPaulC]

I am relatively new to AA and brand new to Pass Labs. I just ordered an
Int-30A to replace my current integrated (Vecteur 80 W @ 8ohms). I will be using the Int-30A to drive Magnepan MG12's in my relatively small dedicated room (14' X 11' X 9.5'ceilings). Unfortunately because I don't have a dealer nearby I have not heard the amp (or any Pass Labs amps for that matter). So this is a bit of a gamble (although with the 10 day grace period with Reno Hi-Fi I can return them in the unlikely case I am not happy).

I know the new .8 amps will be hitting the market soon but I figure starting with the .5 based integrated (demo) will give me a good idea of what is possible. Here is hoping that 60Watts of Class A into 4 ohms & some A/B headroom will work well enough with the Maggies. In any case, finding out what Class A is all about will be part of the fun.

[Mikado463]

while I can't speak to the amp driving your Maggie's I can state that in my son's system it does a superb job driving his sweet sounding Zu's ……..

[junker]

Great choice!

There will be no .8 integrated so you aren't missing anything and this is per my conversation with Desmond, the CEO:

You did not miss out. There is no integrated in the point 8 series and probably will not be for some time if ever. We have more than enough on our plate for now.

Desmond.


Secondly, That amp puts out WAY more than 30/60...it's more like 130/195!

Pass Labs XA30.5 power amplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

And what it doesn't do with power, it does with CURRENT which is what those Maggies will love. No, my friend you made a great choice. That is the value kingpin in their line-up!!! Good choice!!!

[rbbert]

Class A only to 30/60 WPC, class A/B above that. My INT150 supposedly goes to 10/20 in class A, which is probably where I usually am. I've considered switching to the INT30A but haven't done so yet.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by SPaulC

I am relatively new to AA and brand new to Pass Labs. I just ordered an
Int-30A to replace my current integrated (Vecteur 80 W @ 8ohms). I will be using the Int-30A to drive Magnepan MG12's in my relatively small dedicated room (14' X 11' X 9.5'ceilings). Unfortunately because I don't have a dealer nearby I have not heard the amp (or any Pass Labs amps for that matter). So this is a bit of a gamble (although with the 10 day grace period with Reno Hi-Fi I can return them in the unlikely case I am not happy).

I know the new .8 amps will be hitting the market soon but I figure starting with the .5 based integrated (demo) will give me a good idea of what is possible. Here is hoping that 60Watts of Class A into 4 ohms & some A/B headroom will work well enough with the Maggies. In any case, finding out what Class A is all about will be part of the fun.

Congratulations on your choice of Pass Labs. I think you've made the right decision. Ever since adding Pass to my system I have not looked back. I think they drive the Magnepans magnificently and with authority.

A big dealing with Mark at Reno Hi-Fi. The good thing is that when you are ready to make an upgrade he'll take care of you.

[SPaulC]

It is good to get positive responses from folks who are experienced with Pass Labs. I am looking forward to taking delivery on Thursday. Once the amp is settled in and has a few hours on it I will start testing out some source to amp interconnects and speaker cable. Can it be coincidence that a Nordost rep is paying a visit to a local dealer on Thursday to do some demos?

[Pider]

Originally Posted by SPaulC

It is good to get positive responses from folks who are experienced with Pass Labs. I am looking forward to taking delivery on Thursday. Once the amp is settled in and has a few hours on it I will start testing out some source to amp interconnects and speaker cable. Can it be coincidence that a Nordost rep is paying a visit to a local dealer on Thursday to do some demos?

Sure would like to know how things are going. I was just trolling on their website and found my way to their two integrated units. I like the looks of the 30A, but like you have absolutely no experience with Pass Labs, let alone class A.

[junker]

Originally Posted by Pider

Sure would like to know how things are going. I was just trolling on their website and found my way to their two integrated units. I like the looks of the 30A, but like you have absolutely no experience with Pass Labs, let alone class A.

Love mine. Just love it. Not sure what I'm going to do when I order a Shindo amp. May sell it or use for AV and digital background music.

It's plenty of power! With inefficient vandersteens I played at 16-24 out of 64. It can handle any load, has tons of current, and really goes 6db above 30 watts. It's more like a 120 watt amp.

[Pider]

Originally Posted by junker

Love mine. Just love it. Not sure what I'm going to do when I order a Shindo amp. May sell it or use for AV and digital background music.

It's plenty of power! With inefficient vandersteens I played at 16-24 out of 64. It can handle any load, has tons of current, and really goes 6db above 30 watts. It's more like a 120 watt amp.

There's one on Agon right now. Not sure if it's a good price or not, but I'm almost willing to give it a try. No experience with class A.

[rbbert]

Originally Posted by Pider

There's one on Agon right now. Not sure if it's a good price or not, but I'm almost willing to give it a try. No experience with class A.

You might check the Reno HiFi site; they frequently have used or demo units at a good price with the same money-back guarantee that their new units have. You might also want to talk to Mark about whether the INT150 might be more suited to your needs or tastes.