T+A PA 3100HV vs Pass Labs X350.8

Interesting. I love Pass labs, and had the chance to A/B my 250.8 with my now current MC462 along with a C2700 pre-amp. My speakers are very flat measuring, and somewhat demanding like yours.

While there were differences between the 462 and 250.8... they were very small.

The c2700 however, made a much bigger difference in my systems sound. (I had a XP22). I like the built in DAC, and for ME, I dig what the tubes did.

Frankly, I would consider trying a different 2 channel pre-amp with your 462 (I love my 2700 and the built in DAC) before moving from a 462 to the 350.8.

All are excellent, just depends on the flavor you want. For ME, I really dig the McIntosh combo (and I really enjoyed the XP22/250.8 combo also).

Thanks David!  Your post caused me to revisit some of the statements made by Nelson Pass about not using power conditioners with his amps.  On second reading, he is just urging caution in choosing the right one to not suppress dynamics.    


david_ten4,439 posts06-06-2021 6:33pm@hegelsjh It was the Synergistic Research PowerCell UEF SE (Black Outlets) with the Galileo UEF AC Cord. [2018 version]

86 dB sensitive speakers in that 4 to 6 ohm range, and a good sized floor stander at that.  I bet that Revel speaker needs a high current amp to drive it.  From my *general* listening experience, Pass Labs amps, especially the dot five and dot eight series bring the dynamic goods to the table.  Plus, the air, space, layer separation, and that wonderful midrange bloom that lights music from within with Pass equipment is good stuff.  I've listened to some Mc gear, and while it seems pretty good to me, it seems to have a little bit more laid back character; it is not bad to say the least.  I think getting a 350.8 will solve your problems as that amp doubles to 700 wpc at 4 ohms.  That's some beans right there.  In my experience, Pass amps can be picky, and there is definitely a synergy that comes to life when a Pass line stage is paired with a Pass amp.  While this might be apples and oranges with your situation, I have Pass Aleph 1.2s paired with a X0.2 three box Pass line stage behind it and it's glorious; prior to the X0.2, I had a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 behind the Aleph 1.2s.  While it sounded *okay*, even with getting some more expensive tubes from Upscale Audio (when he ran it [the business] out of his house...), it still did not *pop* like equipment of that caliber should.  When I sprung for the then newly inrtro'd X0.2s, and let it burn-in, holy Moses, it's like someone pulled off a veil and those big Class A monos made my Von Schweikert VR6s sing and soar very high!  I mention my experience because you have an Anthem (the old Sonic Frontiers) line stage and you are thinking about getting a 350.8 Pass amp.  In any case, happy hunting as the saying goes.  

I have the x250.8 and love it. I heard a difference between it and the 350.8. If you can, compare the two before choosing.

@david_ten I would re-audition the T+A and ask if the shop could bring it to my home for short demo after the social distancing. Thank you.
@dep14 I would also consider your suggestion. C2700 is sure a nice piece and I would save a lot if I go this route. Just curious because I have auditioned the C2700 on different set up at the shops and didn't have time to make a fair judgement about it.