Pass Labs: INT-60 vs X150.8 + XP-12 Separates

I haven't heard all of these units. I have an XP-12 that I use with a Pass Labs XA-25 and a First Watt J2. The XP-12 is a great pre amp, but if I had to choose between your two options, I'd choose the INT-60, since it runs deeper in Class A than the X150.8. Of course, this assumes you don't need the extra headroom in the X150.8.

If you haven't already, I'd reach out to both Pass Labs and Mark at Reno Hi-Fi. Talk to them about your sonic priorities. They are all friendly, responsive, and helpful. 

I have the XP12 and the XA25. The XP12 uses the volume control from the XS preamp.  this is why I went with separates. The implementation of the volume control is most important in a preamp.
If your system is transparent enough, you would want the better pre, IME. 

FWIW, I am thinking about a Pass amp for 8 ohm 88 dbl sensitivity speakers that dip to 6 ohms in the bass.

I was considering a X150.8 versus a XA30.8. Based on the Stereophile measurements for the XA30.5, I thought I might get by with it. 

I asked for advice from Mark at Reno HiFi and he said that the smaller amp would start to sound stressed at loudness levels of 80 decibels. He said the 150 would show no signs of stress and, contrary to what many people claim, he says the two amps sound the same. 

My only point here is that comparing a 60 WPC to 150 WPC amp is a big difference in wattage and the smaller amp might end up not sounding good.

Give Mark a call at Reno. He is friendly and helpful as advertised.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

Thanks everyone for the great advice! At moderate levels, the INT-60 seems to operate more in Class A than the INT-250 (30W vs 15W). Reno HiFi is closed this week, but I’ll call next week.

Some have mentioned the XP preamp. Is there a big sonic difference between XP-12 and XP-22 if you have good resolving speakers?...

My DIY speakers range from Scan-Speak 13” 3-way (86dB), 89dB 8” 2.5-way, and SBA 91dB 6.5” D’Appolito. The crossovers are mostly Mundorf Silver Oil, and Jantzen Superior-Z Caps, with wax foil inductors which make for spacious, airy, and transparent sound. They reveal anything I put before them.

The Pass XP-22 is a Stereophile Class A rated preamp. There's a review and nice write-up on their website.