Nakamichi PA-7 and PA-5 amps

Redwingnine · 24th April 2010, 02:13 AM

Hello all,

New to DIY audio.

I just picked up a pair of PA-7's and a PA-5 for use with the music and HT rig. I recently picked up a pair of Legacy Signature III's for the front, and a Legacy Silver Screen for the center channel. Will be using Polk LSI 15's for the rear speakers.

I am really impressed with the sound of the Nak amps. I've been told that they are basically the same as Threshold amps.

Can someone provide some more background? Thanks!

john65b · 24th April 2010, 02:24 AM

They are both Stasis amps designed by Nelson Pass...while not class A, still very good amps...

I made three attempts to purchase, but just never could get my hands on one. The PA7 MKII is the one to get...

Redwingnine · 24th April 2010, 02:27 AM

What is the difference between the orignal and the Mark II? Is that something that could be done as a DIY effort?

jam · 24th April 2010, 04:31 AM

I would go with the Mk1. I believe that Nakamichi scewed with Mr.Pass's original design in the Mk2 and it does not sound as good despite better distortion numbers.

Jam

Redwingnine · 24th April 2010, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jam

I would go with the Mk1. I believe that Nakamichi scewed with Mr.Pass's original design in the Mk2 and it does not sound as good despite better distortion numbers.

Jam

Thanks, Jam.

As it turns out, I have obtaind 2 PA-7's and 1 PA-5 (MK1).

I did see a thread where Mr. Pass had designed an updated driver board for the PA-7. I might look at that to see just what the update does.

So far, I really like the PA-5. It's a great amp, with lots of reserve power and excellent control of the bass drivers. I can't wait for the PA-7's to arrive next week.

jam · 25th April 2010, 03:12 PM

Redwingnine,

Send me an e-mail. I think I have a copy of the service manual if you want.
I believe that Mr.Pass scored a winner with the Stasis output stage which in my humble opinion is far better than most traditonal topologies. I used to have a PA-7 which still rivals most contemporary designs. I am sure a few mods would turn it into a giant killer..........bummer, I should have kept my PA-7.....like all Mr.Pass's designs it stands the test of time.

Regards,
Jam

Redwingnine · 28th April 2010, 10:52 PM

Thanks, Jam

ROGER WILCO

jam · 29th April 2010, 05:03 PM

You should post pictures.

Jam

Nelson Pass · 29th April 2010, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwingnine

I did see a thread where Mr. Pass had designed an updated driver board for the PA-7.

I don't recall doing such a design.

Redwingnine · 29th April 2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelson Pass

I don't recall doing such a design.

Oops!

Here is the thread has has a drawing of it:

What speakers to pair with Nakamichi PA 7 - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums

24th April 2010, 02:13 AM	#1
Redwingnine diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2010	Nakamichi PA-7 and PA-5 amps Hello all, New to DIY audio. I just picked up a pair of PA-7's and a PA-5 for use with the music and HT rig. I recently picked up a pair of Legacy Signature III's for the front, and a Legacy Silver Screen for the center channel. Will be using Polk LSI 15's for the rear speakers. I am really impressed with the sound of the Nak amps. I've been told that they are basically the same as Threshold amps. Can someone provide some more background? Thanks!

25th April 2010, 03:12 PM	#6
jam diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Charlotte,NC,USA	All things must Pass Redwingnine, Send me an e-mail. I think I have a copy of the service manual if you want. I believe that Mr.Pass scored a winner with the Stasis output stage which in my humble opinion is far better than most traditonal topologies. I used to have a PA-7 which still rivals most contemporary designs. I am sure a few mods would turn it into a giant killer..........bummer, I should have kept my PA-7.....like all Mr.Pass's designs it stands the test of time. Regards, Jam

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24th April 2010, 02:24 AM	#2
john65b diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Chicago	They are both Stasis amps designed by Nelson Pass...while not class A, still very good amps... I made three attempts to purchase, but just never could get my hands on one. The PA7 MKII is the one to get...

24th April 2010, 02:27 AM	#3
Redwingnine diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2010	What is the difference between the orignal and the Mark II? Is that something that could be done as a DIY effort?

24th April 2010, 04:31 AM	#4
jam diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Charlotte,NC,USA	I would go with the Mk1. I believe that Nakamichi scewed with Mr.Pass's original design in the Mk2 and it does not sound as good despite better distortion numbers. Jam

28th April 2010, 10:52 PM	#7
Redwingnine diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2010	Thanks, Jam ROGER WILCO

29th April 2010, 05:03 PM	#8
jam diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Charlotte,NC,USA	You should post pictures. Jam

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