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MSB M202 compared to Pass XA.5

I own Pass XA160.5 amps and was recently told that the MSB mono blocks have more power, are Class A and sound more neutral than the Pass amps. Has anyone heard MSB amps? Can anyone describe how they sound and compare to other large Class A amps? Their casework reminds me of the older Pass Aleph amps with heatsinks on all sides.
peterayer
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
There is, i believe, a review of MSB monos by Hifi Critic (run by Martin Colloms). it may not be on the website, but i know they've done it as the MSB is listed in their rankings...the current record holder. hificritic.com

if you hear it, pls post your findings.
onemug
784 posts
 
Peterayer,
When you say "more neutral than the Pass", do you hear the Pass as warmer or cooler than neutral? Just curious.
peterayer OP
1,382 posts
 
Hi Onemug,

No, I do not. I find the XA.5 to be extremely neutral, detailed, and accurate and not to be warm or colored. I think they are incredible and love the way they sound with my speakers in my room. The problem is that I have not tried amps that are supposedly "more neutral" like Solution and Spectral or now these MSBs. I have been told by dealers and one manufacturer, that there are other SS amps that are better at resolution, neutrality and transparency.

It's just not easy to make these comparisons in one's own system and I'm just curious about these MSBs as I had not heard of them let alone actually listened to them.
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