Pass Labs XA- ".5" ???


Is this true?
gandme
Very interesting thread. I recently bought a pair of XA160's. I had three different Alephs before then. The Aleph series and X series were around for quite a while. Then came the XA's, then quickly the X.5's and now very suddenly the XA.5's. Product life is getting shorter and shorter. Reno HiFi will have more trade-in (upgrade)business. Pass is a great company with great service and products, but I'm beginning to wonder if they are now building product obsolescence into their business plan.
Still no news of the XA.5 amps ?
I've seen on some japan sites that the XA100.5 is presented.
I'm waiting for the XA160.5...
I've found some links to XA100.5 in Japan :
http://joshinweb.jp/audio/5179/2098141150805.html
http://www.e-na.co.jp/joshinweb/product/index.asp?prd_id=2098141150805-31-808
http://ichinose.tblog.jp/?eid=136156
It seems to be available in Toronto too :
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=816362
I have found a pdf of the XA100.5 :
http://www.electori.co.jp/PASS/XA100.5.pdf
The 2 big differences are :
selectable gain : 26 or 30 db (the XA100 has only 26 db gain) and a much higher max current : 28 A against 5 A. This point should bring a better power with low impedance speakers.
The other specifications are very close.
The XA60.5 seems to be available too, but no XA160.5 or XA200.5.
I expect the new series will be not be available at the kinds of discount we have seen before. Pass seems to be revamping its U.S. profile:

http://stereophile.com/news/050707pass/

(I read on another thread that Peter has left the company.)