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McCormack DNA 500 versus the best Pass Labs amp

Sometime ago one independent (=credible) audio journal (IAR) called the DNA 500 the best solid state amp they've ever heard. Another independent audio journal called the Pass Labs X350.5 the best solid state amp they've heard. So it just seems natural to compare the DNA 500 with the best amps from Pass Labs.

Did anybody had a chance to listen to both the DNA 500 and the X350.5/X250.5/XA30?
luigi_secchi00
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I would consider the cj premier 350 and the pass x series as equals. The cj perhaps a bit more musical depending on your tastes and equipment and set-up...and.....and....and.

The DNA 500 is behind the other two mentioned above IMO all things being equal. The Pass XA series is better still assuming system synergy.
luigi_secchi00 OP
11 posts
 
Thanks for your comment. Just to clarify, do you mean that the DNA 500 is bested by the old Pass X series or by the new Pass X.5 series (or by both)?
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
The DNA 500 is a very good amp as is the PASS models that you asked about. My preferences would lean toward the PASS XA series over the X.5 then the DNA.
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