Jeff, the M2 compares very favorably with the SET 300B. It's a beautiful sounding amp, and has a bit more control over the Tannoy woofers.

The SET beats it though, in musicality, and in getting closer to the sound of real music. Both amps are very satisfying to listen to, but there's something special about the SET, especially using the EML 300B XLS tubes.

When you visit Scott, maybe you and Scott could take time to drop by. (You too, Charles!)

Thanks and regards.

islandmandan September 14, 2014 19:11

Dan,
If I were to ever return to a SS amplifier the First Watt (most likely the SIT-1) would be my direction. Honestly though, I'm too enthralled with the natural beauty of 300b SETs to change. I know you certainly enjoy both.
Charles,

charles1dad September 13, 2014 21:32

Dan,
I've been following the evolution of your system for awhile now, it sure is progressing nicely. I used to live in Seattle (Capital Hill) and that's where I met Scott. I head up to the NW a few times a year and always try to get together and hear his awesome horn system.

MY buddy has a Zu Denon 103 and it more than competes with his Dyna XV-1.

I hear that the First Watt M2 is a phenomenal amp, I have to listen to it someday. How does it compare to your tube amps?

jeff1225 September 13, 2014 20:11

Jeff, great system you've put together. We have a bit in common, in my case a First Watt M2, also from Reno Mark, (isn't he great to deal with?), a Denon 103R (mine has the Zu potted body, and the ESCCO cantilever/stylus mod, a giant-killer of a cartridge).

A good friend has the Fat Bob with a Tri-Planer VII and Dyna XV-1S, really a great sounding table.

I'm wondering, do you live in the Northwest? I noticed Scott mentioned you visiting, I know he lives in Seattle. I'm on Whidbey Island, if you are familiar with this area.

Anyway, congratulations, and enjoy,
Regards,
Dan

islandmandan September 13, 2014 18:13

Himiguel,
I would call Mark at Reno Hifi and have him send you a SIT-1 for an addition, he is fabulous to deal with. The SIT's seem to have the same output in my system as the J2 did, with the same Hovland HP-100 that has very low gain.

Also, I think that 6Moon's captured the difference between the J2 and SIT very well.

jeff1225 September 13, 2014 17:12

Thanks Jeff for your reply. Lower power ampliifiers with simple circuits running in pure class A are hard to beat for musical realism and naturalness.

charles1dad September 13, 2014 16:18

Jeff1225, wondering if the SIT-1 will match well with my 97db efficient horn.
Does the SIT-1 have more resolution than the J2 or just a bigger soundstage?

himiguel September 13, 2014 14:34

Himiguel,
I found that the j2 needed at least 200 hours to fully break in. You described perfectly how the J2 sounded in my system. I went from the J2 to the XA30.5, honestly it was a mistake. I gained some power and sound stage height but gave away the "realism" you described.

The SIT has just 8 hours on them but I believe that the system has regained the natural warmth and realism of the J2....with a bigger sound stage.

jeff1225 September 13, 2014 14:14

Hi Charles,
The SIT is brand new and still breaking in.....but I like what I'm hearing. The Pass XA30.5 is an amazing amp, but that much power is not needed for my horns.

The 30.5 has a dryer presentation but fantastic dynamic range.

jeff1225 September 13, 2014 14:00

Jeff1225, Just received a brand new j2. How long was the break in period? Already noticing natural warmth and smooth realism. I'm using the J2 on 97db efficient horns. I see you also had experience with the SIT-1. How did you like the SIT-1 vs J2? Thanks

himiguel September 13, 2014 12:05

Hello Jeff,
You have a very nice system.
Are your First Watt SIT-1 amplifiers a better match for your speakers compared with the Pass XA30.5 ?
Thanks,
Charles,

charles1dad September 13, 2014 11:18

System edited: Totally new room! Ripped out to walls and sound reinforced, GIK treated, new furniture and new amps.

jeff1225 September 13, 2014 03:43

Currently putting all efforts into a dedicated listening room. New dedicated lines, dedicated ground and room treatments will be all part of the new room. Just having my entire record collection in one place will be work all of the investment!

Extremely excited hope to be posting new photos in about 30 days.

jeff1225 June 22, 2014 19:04

System edited: Added the Ikeda 345 arm to the Fat BobS

jeff1225 November 14, 2013 22:54

Great to see you last week, Jeff. Enjoyed catching-up and talking music and audio. Need to come down to visit in LA.

Scott

skushino February 03, 2013 21:43

Thank you Peter, I've been following your system for quite sometime. You speakers were also on my short list! I have to update all of my pictures as I'm moved into a new house with a really beautiful cathedral ceiling and the sound is much better.

The XA30.5 has more dynamics than the First Watt and has more "sparkle." The First Watt, however, had a smooth emotional realism that is impossible not to love. I should have kept both. Now I know why some people have high and low wattage tube amps in their system.

I upgraded my SME IV to an SME IV.IV by rewiring and adding the damping trough. Huge difference that was pretty surprising. I was at a friends house last night that had a vintage SME 3012 and it was a special kind of magic. I think that's my next move.

Take care, look me up if you travel to LA.

jeff1225 January 31, 2013 23:45

Very nice, simple looking system. It must sound great. Could you describe the sound of the XA30.5 compared to your old FirstWatt, not that the 30.5 is broken in. Also, you wrote elsewhere that you upgraded your tonearm. Can you share what you did? Thanks.

peterayer January 30, 2013 20:33

Also a nice and clean presentation of your system as well.
Love the Avantgarde’s in purl white, and what a Divine speaker.
Is there a better way to make a big band sounds realistic....I think not!
Cheers!

ofthewal December 18, 2012 20:24

The Pass XA30.5 is breaking in....I have to say it has the warmth of the J2 with a little more excitement. Might be the perfect amp for this system.

More to come.

jeff1225 November 14, 2012 04:24

Jeff,
Thanks for your reply.
I have a bias for very simple amplifier circuits like SET amps and First Watt. It seems these circuits are superb in preserving natural tone and harmonics, i.e. life-like. I`m interested to read your further thoughts as the Pass amp breaks in.There`s always some degree of trade off with different amplifier topologies.
Regards,

charles1dad October 29, 2012 17:56

Thank you for your interest. The Pass is still breaking in, amazing the change in sound (image height and sound stage) as it the hours of usage go by. Although I will reserve my final judgement until I have 200 hours on the X30.5, it is very promising, delivering incremental dynamics vs the J2 but with a little lose of "warmth" that the J2 delivers. I'm hoping that after break in....

jeff1225 October 29, 2012 14:07

Hello Jeff,
I`m interested to read your impression of the Pass XA30.5 compared to Nelson`s simpler circuit First Watt design.With your efficient speaker have you considered the SIT amplifiers?He seems very satisfied with these new amps.
Regards,

charles1dad October 28, 2012 09:55

Update!
Added a Pass Labs XA30.5...still breaking in, more to come.

jeff1225 October 25, 2012 23:11

Hello Jeff,

Love your Nano's! You're right! Once you go horns, you never look back. When i switched to my Uno 2.1's, i still had my Pass X350.5 as well. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. The sensitivity of the horns with the high powered pass produced a lot of noise. Decided to go all digital with room correction. Now it's dead quiet with your ear to the tweeter. I've heard a lot of good things with Hovland. Always wanted to try it.

bmwmcab May 26, 2012 00:18

I very highly recommend the Tom Evans Linear A. It is a terrific match for my Uno Nanos. I agree with everything said in the 6moons review.

Arthur

aball May 24, 2012 17:08