Pass amps are in their third generation, designated "point 8," so the stereophile review of the "XA-160" is fairly dated. Here is a more recent, direct comparison of the Pass XA160.8 and PS Audio BHK 300's by Tony Cordesman: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ps-audio-bhk-signature-300-mono-power-amplifier/
Spoiler alert: he keeps the BHK's as a second reference. (Must be nice).
Note the Pass X- series operate for the first few watts in class A and then transition to class A-B. The "XA" amps are single-ended class A throughout their rated operating range. The two designs have different - but still excellent - sounds (the X series being a bit more "punchy" and the XA's more "tube-like"). If you poke around on the Pass website, there is a technical paper by Nelson where he mentions how customer preferences for the sound of his designs relate to residual distortion products. Fascinating stuff.
You have a tough choice. King and Pass are both legendary designers. Gotta listen for yourself.
Spoiler alert: he keeps the BHK's as a second reference. (Must be nice).
Note the Pass X- series operate for the first few watts in class A and then transition to class A-B. The "XA" amps are single-ended class A throughout their rated operating range. The two designs have different - but still excellent - sounds (the X series being a bit more "punchy" and the XA's more "tube-like"). If you poke around on the Pass website, there is a technical paper by Nelson where he mentions how customer preferences for the sound of his designs relate to residual distortion products. Fascinating stuff.
You have a tough choice. King and Pass are both legendary designers. Gotta listen for yourself.