POLL: Which is your fave Pass design ? F3, F4, F5, AJ

[oltos]

Is that why I should go for the M2?

Why F4 rated so low?
I guess its sound depends more on the preamp as it has unity gain at most.

That's what the 6 moons review said throughout about the F4. I don't have a preamp, nor plan on getting one, since a DAC would be my only source. If the DAC I go for has a remote volume/balance control (ie. Berkeley Alpha DAC II), why get a preamp?
True most DAC models' output voltage is only ~ 3V max-probably not enough for the F4 to drive the world's most efficient speakers. So enter the M2. But which amp sounds better?

 

[merlin2069er]

My vote goes to the F5.

Only because I built one.

 

[Zen Mod]

......... enter the M2. But which amp sounds better?

you can't really talk about F4 , without talking about dedicated preamp

 

[AudioSan]

whitch amp sound better?
thats the most impossible question there is.
whats your definition of good. and what do the rest of your system sound like?
every piece counts. one amp can sound good with X system and the other amp sounds best with the Y system.

 

[tp147]

Hi,

With all its disadvantages of low gain, power and critical speaker handling the F3 Sounds increadeble. Never had more involving music in my room.
(I've only experiences with AJ and F5, and Even F3)

Cheers

 

[vdi_nenna]

the F3 Sounds increadeble

Always good to hear! I'm a few connections away from finishing mine.
Check the power supply...

 

[d to the g]

in my situation, the F3 beats the F5. My situation is driving altec 604c's above 80Hz.

 

[Melon Head]

The PLH is due for a revisit Nelson.
I started reworking it but my design ideas were more ambitious than my ability, so I lost interest. It is always in the back of my mind though.

 

[vizion]

Update 7: Results !

F3 - 6
h_a
Vix (ZV9)
Ryssen
Nelson Pass
d to the g
tp147

F4 - 2
Audiofanatic
generg

F5 - 5
anilva
Russellc
vdi_nenna
ramallo
merlin2069er

AJ - 3
OllBoll
buzzforb
vidard

 

[vizion]

F6 is around the corner too. A new single-ended design with a unique feedback mechanism. I remember an old Bedini 10/10 Class A 10-watter. That one had a positive feedforward feedback. I've never auditioned one though.

 

[fpitas]

My pick is the J2. But then I own one, and I'm a sucker for JFETs.

 

[Zen Mod]

M2

by a mile.

 

[Ar4]

F4, although I did not use J-Fet buffer, but hybrid cathode follower to drive IRFPs, at higher voltage rails. And I agree that it is important what kind of preamp you use, but still, I give my vote for F4.

 

[CeeVee]

M2

by a mile.

Now that is interesting...it's that good ZM ?

 

[Zen Mod]

sonic wise is on par with others ....... every FW amp is for different role and taste

but it's most wakoo and witty , at least for my kinky taste

of course that Mighty ZM SIT will be Death Of Them All ............ but first I need to find some spare time

odd - I have it on paper and in my head from NY (approx.) , still didn't make one solder blob on it

 

[CeeVee]

..hehe more good news.

Curious to see what inspiration you brought back from Papaland.😎

 

[Zen Mod]

nope

besides all most positive things Papa gave me , I brought mental block with me , too .

it took me 3 months to drew something at least partially different than his schmtcs

Papa have multiple different folders , each one filled with files ....... all together in folder named "design permutations"

they all are named with acronyms ,by strict nomenclature .

just that nomenclature is condensed knowledge , per se , and seeing it worth gold ........ and enough for mental block of poor ZM

 

[CeeVee]

Now i know why you have been so "quiet" lately....blinded by the light 😎

so to speak!

 

[Zen Mod]

yup

combined with fact that everything I came to lately have some details from Pa's recent work ... so not for public eyes

you are one of few to know some of it

 

[CeeVee]

..and very privileged i feel !