Halcro DM68 or Pass XA 200.5?

I would concur with the some of the above comments.

The Halcro is an amazing amp. For some it may lack that rounded class A type sound, but be in no doubt of it being one of the finest amps.

The Pass Labs I know less well, but they always sounded good if not still more conventional. The Halcro is so pure that it makes all other contenders sound distorted/grainy.

You have to try both in your own set up. It is the only way to be sure. I did notice the Halcro sounding different after a couple of days of use, I couldnt put my finger on it but somehow it opened up in some way. So leave them in for a few days.

Good luck sure youll be happy with either

Peterayer,
interesting that you've heard both Spectral (I have the 360s) and Halcro on the Magico. Can you tell me a bit about your listening experience? Both are superfast amps. Thank you.
Wim

Hi Nirodha35. I just reread through this thread and I was completely mistaken in my post dated 1-27-10 above. I meant to write that I heard both Spectral and Solution amps with Magico speakers. I must have been subtly influenced by Halcro's comment about the Solution 700 a couple of lines earlier. I have never heard Halcro electronics.

To clarify, I have heard Solution with the Magico M5 at Sound by Singer. It was a very musical/involving experience. I have heard the Spectral 360 II monos with the Q5 and a 100W stereo Spectral amp with the Magico V2. These were also very nice combinations.

I upgraded my Pass XA100.5 to the XA160.5 after I bought a pair of Magico Mini II's. They needed the extra power/current and could probably still use more, as they are a demanding load. I have always liked Pass amps and the new XA.5 has been my favorite.

I would like to try the Spectral in my system, but that is for another day. The Solution and Halcro are over my budget. Sorry for the confusion.

My vote goes to Pass.

I am sure Halcro, Soulution and Spectral are all very technically competent amplifiers, but for some reasons, they simply do not move me.

Good news is, they are SO different in sound, you will be able to tell which 'school' you prefer with one quick session.

Between Halcro, Soultion and Spectral, my vote would go to Spectral.

I am wondering why everybody is so hype about the pass amps. I have owned the Halcros a few years back, and I found them to be very god sounding. I have never owned the XA 200.5 but I have a set of 100.5 along with a set of MSB M202 in my listening room right now, and the MSB´s blow the Pass monos away. The Pass´s ar very good indeed, but if you like neutrality and detail, there are better options out there.