Integrated Amp Reviews

Great as always review- HR.
The Pass Labs & First Watt integrated amps are on my short list to demo. Several choices in each brand- which one shall I start auditioning?

bet they could sell this amp 30-40% cheaper if they didn't used an over-the-top chassis

There's a whiff of a self-serving argument in the 6th paragraph of this article. I am sure that this integrated is a fine piece of equipment. But to dismiss "measurements" is one many postures of the audio community that needs to be challenged.

"Measurements" don't matter; only some ethereal out-of-body experience does. Well, then why not join the ranks of most audio publications and stop going through the sweat of "measurements" altogether?

Based on my research only Stereophile, Soundstage! (Canada), and audio.com.pl (Poland) bother to do comprehensive measurements on a regular basis. Credibility is gained in my book by the efforts made to subject equipment to the objectivity of measurements. Soundstage! proudly enters disclaimers of how their methodology complies with those of the Canadian Bureau of Standards.

And, yes, measurements do matter, particularly for those of us on a budget. Measurements show where there is superior workmanship done on a budget.

I recall reading in a leading car magazine about 18 years ago that my sporty, econobox Japanese sedan had "measurements" that were quite similar to a German import costing over 2 times as much. But perhaps I missed the sublimities of the leather seating and all of the prestige. Forget that the car was not much faster, not much more powerful, and had about the same dBs (bad ones for automotive pursuits) of sound inside the driver's cabin.

I have also found that my favorite brand of timepieces (available for a reasonable price today at a mall near you) has a 5 year warranty. To my surprise, much of the finery of Geneva and Le Chaux de Fonds, costing 10 times as much, or more, often comes with a much shorter warranty.

Instead of asking why "measurements don't matter," I'd ask another question. Why does a product costing $9,000 not have better measurements, in some areas, than a $999.00 Class C integrated amp listed on the current line-up of "Recommended Components" in this publication?

I for one am delighted that I have the "better measurements," and a good audio experience to boot, off of an integrated amp (the predecessor of your Class C item) which I purchased as dealer demo for 8.7% of the price of the item under discussion in this article. I hope this fine piece of gear in this article is 11 times better than what I found on a Saturday afternoon.

Oh, and my car: it lasted 17 years; probably it out-lasted its luxury rival, and spent less time in the shop. My watch is still going strong after 15 years.

This publication, and the audio hobby in general, can't afford to dismiss the value-for-the-money trade-offs that exist in this pursuit, most your readers do it every day; we look at the "measurements," too.

I recently displaced an Ayre AX5Twenty in my main system with the PASS INT-250. If one can afford the step up from the INT-60, I strongly recommend it. The added bonus is not only are the sonics superior, but so is the interaction with the manufacturer. Kent English at PASS couldn't be more invested in ensuring a new customer's delight with a PASS product. Apparently, Charlie H has schooled the Ayre staff to make it clear that customers were clearly misguided to call Boulder and that their concerns would be best directed to their respective dealer.

i just purchased the new Rega Brio integrated amp. for $1000 it will give any SS amp i have heard a run for it's money. ethereal highs and profoundly musical. a heavy hitter at only 50 very powerful watts. seperate power supply for the pre-amp which simulate Class A sound. one does not have to spend crazy money for high end sound.