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

No sure I know the power doubles but I don’t think the class A output increases going into 4 ohms, anyone? I have the same amp and it is indeed great.

Thanks everyone for the great advice and encouragement. Mark at Reno Hifi is a fantastic resource and is very knowledgeable. I got the XP-22 and X250.8. I think this combination can offer the best balance of class A (up to 25W / 8 ohm, 40W / 4 ohm), refinement, air, imaging, soundstage, power, dynamics, detail, tonal/timbral vitality, and versatility of separates.

I used my Pass Int-60 with Focal Speakers, 90 db sensitivity. Rocking the room the needle never crossed from operating in Class A to Class AB. Pure Class A is soooo sweet, it is worth it.

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

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.

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

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. 

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. 

88man,
I have not heard a direct comparison of the two Pass set ups you have listed but I can tell you the Int 60 will meet all your sonic requirements.  I have compared to my all tube amp/pre and the Pass didn't disappoint.

Btw if your budget can fit the above Pass amp/pre you might as well consider the Int 250.