Pass Labs INT-30A Integrated Amplifier

Stephaen Harrell has posted a review of the Pass Labs INT-30A integrated amplifier ($7150) at 6moons. His conclusions:

he Pass did remind me quite a bit of the Yamamoto A-08S as described by Srajan when he compared it to the Melody I2A3 back in 2006. Having acquired said I2A3 from him earlier this year, I made it a point to revisit that review. For those who don’t know, the Yammy is very much about speed, transparency and microdynamic finesse. Check. What really got my attention was his closing paragraph: "In fact, in the realm of tone, [the I2A3] exceeds the Yamamoto by a small but meaningful margin. That becomes apparent on upper piano ivories tickled very lightly, for example. Where the Yamamoto then focuses on the percussive elements only, the Melody manages to preserve a higher timbral aspect. It adds more tone to the tinkle."

To my ears this description of the A-08S rings true for the INT-30 as well. And I can’t say it better than he did. I do hope I’ve made clear that while not entirely enamoured of its overall hue, the Pass is without a doubt emotionally accessible. From a more objective perspective it’s very well balanced—spatially, tonally and dynamically. So, my conclusions are all about my own preferences as revealed through my physical and emotional responses. In the end the Melody grabs my heart and hands whereas the Pass speaks to my head and heart. Getting back to where we started, for those whose values align with this narrative’s early positions on the definition of smooth, I’m confident that those traits will make it a superlative integrated for many.

You can read the full review here.

You can read my review of the Pass Labs INT-30A and INT-150 integrated amplifiers here.