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Pass Labs X-600's vs. XA-160's

I recently purchased a pair of Dali Euphonia MS5's. Sensitivity is 89db. I know these amps are of different power ratings and class, but does anybody have any experience with either or both of them. Which would be better suited for these speakers. I am also considering the Electrocompaniet Nemo monoblocks. I use a Pass X-1 pre-amp. I listen to classic rock, jazz, and classical music.
zippyy
zippyy OP
98 posts
 
Tpsonic, Perhaps a misunderstanding. The Nemos are manufactured by Electrocompaniet. Unless there's something I don't know, what does Manley and VTL have to do with it? Those are both tube amps and the Nemo's are Solid State. Can you please clairify ? Thanks
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Forgive me,the Nemo brought to mind the Neo Classics.With the price of the 600s here on AGon.They might not be a bad choice.I have also seen the Lamm M1.1s fairly cheap.The 600s are balanced only,does that affect your choice?The 160s offer both,I believe.The 600s prefer a slightly warmer midbass and high frequency character upstream of them.Maybe a tube pre???Non silver ICs??
zippyy OP
98 posts
 
Tpsonic, Forgiven, of course. Your right about the 600's, they are expensive, so are the Nemos. I'm using a Pass X1 preamp, so running balanced is fine. My Dalis have a more neutral mid-bass, but I think the hi's are a little extended. Thanks again for your input.
jeffreyfranz's avatar
jeffreyfranz
42 posts
 
I must politely disagree with Percon. I have been using Pass gear in my home music systems for about the last 8 years. I have had both Aleph and X-series amps and preamps. Currently, I use the X1 preamp into Pass/Volksamp Aleph 60 mono amps (considered by me and by Pass to be one of the best sounding circuits he has ever designed). The Aleph monos handily drive Quad 989 electrostatics, with a stereo pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers asisting below 80 Hz. To make a long story short, the XA series should produce the best of both worlds (as Pass says, "like peanut butter and chocolate..."). I say "should" because the XA amps are the one thing made by Pass that I have yet to hear. Nevertheless, I have had all manner of costly tube gear and other stuff in here, and nothing surpasses the purity of tone produced by the pure single-ended Class A circuit of the Alephs. And yet...there is a sense of speed, transparency and spooky dynamics with the X-products that is addictive. So, why not have the best of both? If you can afford it, that is. There is one other factor to consider, I suppose, on the level of personal responsibility. The Aleph and XA series amps are exorbitantly wasteful of electrical power.

I hope this helps.
jeffreyfranz
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