AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Daedalus Audio => Topic started by: roboss38 on 20 Dec 2014, 03:30 am

Title: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: roboss38 on 20 Dec 2014, 03:30 am

I'm thinking of replacing my Rogue Audio Stereo 100 with a Pass Labs XA30.8. I'm thinking of the XA30.8 because it has a great synergy with my ARC Reference 5SE. I was wondering if any Daedalus owners are running Pass Lab amps, and what were/are your experiences.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: MegaHz on 21 Dec 2014, 10:25 pm

Sorry I can't help with the specific question so I'll throw some at you and maybe get some more input.

1.  Why not a fully balanced amp to match up with your ARC ref5 preamp?
2.  Are you OK with the tradeoffs of going with a far less powerful amp?

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: Daedalus Audio on 22 Dec 2014, 01:20 am

There have been people running the Pass XA.30 with great success.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: audiogoober on 23 Dec 2014, 01:22 pm

Quote from: Daedalus Audio on 22 Dec 2014, 01:20 am

There have been people running the Pass XA.30 with great success.

I have a Pass XA-30.5 and the Athena .V2's....... this combination sounds wonderful!

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: jriggy on 23 Dec 2014, 03:48 pm

If you are not concerned with going fully balanced, due to your preamp, another option to look at is the Wells Audio Innamorata. Myself (Argos V2) and a friend/member here (Ulysses V2) demoed the amp and have both put in an order... Looking forward to reporting more in a month or two, after delivery and break-in.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 23 Dec 2014, 05:35 pm

Good choice on the Pass XA30.8  I own the X250 and would love to jump up to an XA60.8.   These amps do get hot though.  My X250 and BAT preamp heat up my 17x17x9 room after about 1 hour.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: roboss38 on 6 Feb 2015, 09:46 pm

XA30.8 is on its way. I should have it on Monday, and I'll let cook for the week. I will, with the help of my neighbor, put it in the rack on Saturday. Really looking forward to this experience.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: JP78 on 13 Feb 2015, 08:03 pm

http://dagogo.com/pass-labs-xp-20-preamplifier-x600-5-monoblock-amplifiers-review/2

Seems like there's a very good chance you'll be a happy camper.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: Big Red Machine on 13 Feb 2015, 08:05 pm

Awesome, it was the XA30.8 as my second choice.  Can't wait to learn how it works for you.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: watercourse on 13 Feb 2015, 08:06 pm

Btw, all Pass Labs amps are fully balanced.

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: MegaHz on 14 Feb 2015, 01:18 am

Quote from: watercourse on 13 Feb 2015, 08:06 pm

Btw, all Pass Labs amps are fully balanced.

Nice and takes advantage of his existing preamp.  Thanks for the info. 

Title: Re: Argos v2 with Pass Labs XA30.8
Post by: RDavidson on 14 Feb 2015, 02:03 am

Pass recommends balanced connection where possible. I know some may disagree that balanced is "better," but this is one of those topics where blanket statements shouldn't be made. I tend to believe if Nelson recommends balanced connections (with HIS amps), there are measurable as well as audible advantages to it.