Pass X vs XA amps sound quality in class A range

I have owned both the X250.5 and the XA30.5. They both sound excellent. The X250.5 has great dynamic contrasts and bass control. IMO, the XA30.5 is slightly more resolving and relaxed sounding. In my system, I prefer the XA30.5. But I don't require a lot of power, either.

What are the speakers? How big is the room? How loud do you listen? Knowing the answers to these questions would help yield more valid advice.

Bryon

I have owned the X250 and currently own the XA60.5's monos and agree the XA.5's are great sounding amps.

Thanks for your replies, I have the X250 driving a pair of B&W N802, room size is 32ft by 42ft by 20ft height, at their widest, a fairly large room and open to one side to dining room. Driving the speakers w/o the current meter moving (in class A?), it sounds mighty fine but when driven harder, there is a gradual hardening of the sound and loss of air. I am curious as my upgrade path should lead to either the X600.5 or the XA160.5. If they both sound similarly excellent at 50W/ch in class A, I would go with the X600.5 just to safe for those parties that I tend to crank it up.

The X don't sound as good as XA.5s given that the XA.5 provides sufficient power, they are not both "similarly excellent". So, if 160 watts is enough power for your speakers, room, and loudness levels you listen at, I don't think there is much doubt as to which of your two options is preferable.

I think Pubul57 is right. I suspect that the X600.5 and the XA160.5 are unlikely to sound the same, even at lower volumes. My understanding is that the circuitry designs of the two amps have significant differences, and that those differences are audible, even when both amps are operating in Class A. Certainly I can say that my X250.5 and XA30.5 didn't sound exactly the same, even when both amps were operating in Class A.

Your room is quite large, and you mentioned a tendency to listen at loud levels. So it is not a clear cut decision, IMO. It would ideal if you could audition the XA160.5's in your system, to see if they have enough power for your loud listening sessions. If it were me, and I could not audition the amps, I would take a chance on the XA160.5's. I have heard the XA100.5's, and to me, they sounded absolutely glorious. FWIW.

Hopefully other Pass owners with more experience than I have will offer their advice.

Bryon