Neurochrome Modulus 686 Monoblocks

[Qwin]

I’ve had mine set like this since day one as I couldn’t see the sense in that resistor being there - if memory serves me right this sets the gain to 20db?

Yes that's right.

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Assuming 200W (8ohm):

Stock Amplifier to meet THX Standard: Resistor(R19) of 1kohm = Gain 26dB x20(Lin) 2.0V Input Sensitivity.

Mod. for best Gain structure/Lower noise floor: R19 unpopulated = Gain 20dB x10(Lin) 4.0V Input Sensitivity.


So that's 3/3 of us agree the modification is worthwhile and with the amps working within different systems.

My configuration is: Pass XP-12 Balanced Pre Amp/Schiit Lokius Balanced EQ/686 Balanced Monoblocks/4ohm(Nom) Canton CT1000(2) sealed 12" speakers.
Note, I only use one of the filters on the Lokius, to give a mild deep bass boost, centred on 20Hz. It adds nothing (Audible) to the noise floor when switching it in/out.

Just love this set up, it's not the most detailed sound overall, or the deepest bass I've had in my room, my modified NS1000m set up held that position, but it's not far behind.
Where it scores is musicality, it breathes new life into old 60's and 70's vinyl, well recorded pressings in good condition are incredible.
Simple acoustic music, female vocal, is handled just as well as Rock Guitar, Yellow, or a full Orchestra.
This amplification set up will not be changing, its taken me a long time to find the sound I'm happy with, where I can stop listening to the system and focus on the music. I never feel nervous about what's playing or coming up and can relax into the sound.

My vinyl front end is also not going to change: DIY Direct Drive TT/Modified Transfi Linear Arm/Van Den Hull One Special/Pass XP-17 Phono.

The only thing that might change in the future is my Streaming DAC.
I'm quite happy with my modified Eversolo DMP-A6 ME, but this is the area where change is quite rapid and Everchanging if you pardon the pun.
Its interface is lovely, so convenient in use and it sounds detailed and sweet, if maybe not state of the art.
With the next big leap in digital technology, I would consider upgrading this, but only to another combined Streamer/DAC. I think this combination is like fish and chips, meant to go together and with the size of the components, a one box/shelf solution is logical.

The one negative I have, is that my system takes a long time to warm up and hit its sweet spot.
This is not down to the power amps, the Pass Pre Amp takes ages to find its groove. It starts out just a bit sibilant and a bit thick sounding. As it warms up it smooth's out at the top and generally just opens up. It sounds better after 30/40mins, but better still after a couple of hours and improves in smaller increments beyond that.
I'm sure I read somewhere on the Pass website, a remark from Wayne Colburn, designer/partner, that it takes up to 10 hours for it to fully warm up, hence their recommendation to leave it switched on permanently. I've never liked the idea of this, from an energy conservation or safety point of view.
That's my only gripe, once its had an hour or two the magic starts to happen and its well worth the wait.
When I take my set up to the Maverick Show, I fire it all up the day before and leave a digital track on repeat overnight at low volume. Then I crank up the volume when I get up and go for breakfast, which gives it a couple of hours to fully warm up, before folks start arriving.
Had some great comments on the day, with some folks coming back for a second listen, so it must sound good to folks other than myself.