Lamm 1.2 vs. Pass xa 60.5

I don't know about the comparison with Lamm, but it's interesting how different some of the opinions regarding Pass are in here compared to most other threads. I've never heard the XA series described as lifeless or lacking emotion before.

Stereophile can certainly be criticized, but their review was pretty clear: "I don't have much to say about the Pass Labs XA60.5 other than this: It is the best-sounding amplifier I have ever used."

Anyway, if you do change amps (or already have), please remember to update the thread; it'll be informative to others to read about your comparisons. Good luck.

Syntax wrote regarding the XA 60.5:

"I missed the emotion which is part in any music."

Can you tell me what the rest of the system was that made you feel this way? Am wondering how you can make this very confident statement without qualifying it further wrt ... everything else.

So Icorem,

What did you decide?

I know it's somewhat dated, but I'd like to share my experiences about these two brands.
While the Pass XA.5 sounded really good, it's no where close to being musical as the Lamm.
I had XA-160.5 and the XA-100.5 and the Lamm M2.2 side-by-side driving Hansen The Prince V2 and Nova Be, the Lamm always sounded more lively and musical.
I also tried some NOS and like the Amprex Orange Globe and Mullard CV2493 very much.

 
new Lamm M1.2 review with sidebar on tube rolling.