plinius vs. pass labs

marvda1 · « **on:** 31 May 2010, 03:34 pm »

anyone done a comparison between the plinius sa100 mkIII vs. the pass labs x150.5?

Noseyears · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Jun 2010, 09:43 pm »

Never had the chance to audition the Plinius, but here's a review on it:
http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/497plinius/

Vulcan00 · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jun 2010, 03:15 pm »

I sure do wish you would have had more response to this post. I have been wondering about these two manufactures amps. I am especially interested with the more powerful models. I have read many reviews of the different Pass amps. The number of reviews of the Plinius is less. It would be interesting to hear comments from AC ers who have owned these two. It is the design of the amps in Class A and impressions of how that sounds is what I would like to understand.

Harrison

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jun 2010, 03:51 pm »

Someday I may own a Plinius as I am curious and some respected folks here have liked their sound. I'll never own another Pass though, too much money for not so impressive sound IMO. Well built, rugged, pretty, etc., but they were bested by Wyred amps.

Viajero5000 · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jun 2010, 09:08 pm »

I have never had a Pass amp at home, so can't compare, but in my experience at this level system synergy and listener preferences/biases are the biggest determinants.

I do own a Plinius SA250mkIV, which i'm using as a 'back up' amp at the moment as I don't presently have a pre-amp and speakers that synergise well with it. In the right application I think it is a superb amplifier; it has tremendous drive and control over the woofers, and in class A it has a smooth and grain free mid-range. Highs/upper mids are pretty reasonable, though they don't have ultimate transparency and air in my experience. It throws a big, dynamic soundstage, and if matched properly doesn't 'bleach' harmonics as some power amps tend to do. If not matched properly it may sound a bit thick and lacking clarity and 'zing', but those are synergy issues.

It weighs a ton, looks mean, and the build quality is just remarkable. The only downside is that in class A it generates enough heat to make it impossible to use without air conditioning in summer. For the used price especially I think it's excellent value for money.

Lyndon · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jun 2010, 09:32 pm »

Viajero5000 said:

Quote

The only downside is that in class A it generates enough heat to make it impossible to use without air conditioning in summer.

This is so true of most Class A and large tube amps. I know that I am considering for the first time purchasing some digital amps for strict use
in the summertime.

Viajero5000 · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jun 2010, 09:19 pm »

Quote from: Lyndon on 3 Jun 2010, 09:32 pm

I know that I am considering for the first time purchasing some digital amps for strict use
in the summertime.

Extreme measures!

oddeophile · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Jun 2010, 12:05 am »

Quote from: Big Red Machine on 3 Jun 2010, 03:51 pm

Someday I may own a Plinius as I am curious and some respected folks here have liked their sound. I'll never own another Pass though, too much money for not so impressive sound IMO. Well built, rugged, pretty, etc., but they were bested by Wyred amps.

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

I've owned a Pass X150.5 for almost 7 years. Over that time, I've had the opportunity to listen to a few other well respected amplifiers costing at least as much as the X150.5, and in some cases costing much more, and none of the others have ever delivered the musical essence any better than the Pass unit.

I will say nothing negative about Plinius, Wyred, or any other brand for that matter. It's all a matter of personal taste, system synergy, room acoustics, etc.