Thiel Owners

All-
I wanted to take a moment and give my gratitude and shout-out to one of our contributors. This gentleman took time out of his schedule to offer  an audition with a very sweet Pass Labs X-150.8 power amp.
As you guys know, this is one brand on my short-list to demo. Last year I spent some time trying to procure and purchase my long standing Reference amp (Conrad Johnson Premier 350). Over the years this is the one amp that I spent a considerable amount of listening time. Yes it has a little age on its design and topology. In contrast, the Pass Labs is a current design and topology. Fantastic power and current delivery to the CS 2.4 loudspeaker. I detected zero congestion nor distortion during the session. Now comes the next piece of the puzzle. Which pre-amp to complement this power amp? Tubed or Solid state for best outcome?
I am familiar with Aesthetix, ARC and Conrad Johnson on the tubey side.
I have auditioned the Pass Labs XP-10 model only with a Threshold amp.
I know we have a few Pass Labs experts here- the floor is yours for suggestions. Thank You- pwhinson for your hospitality and very fine system. 

Happy Listening!

A few descriptors of the X-150.8 sound. Excellent bass, clarity, detail and midrange from bottom to top, top to bottom. This amp delivered effortless power and current- no clipping appreciated. A touch to the warm side of neutral ( a very nice characteristic). Pass Labs is not anemic, dry nor thin in presentation/sound. 

Happy Listening!

I used a XP-10 for several years and really enjoyed it.  I only sold it because I got a deal on an Audio Research preamp that I had been eyeing for some time.  The ARC pre is different, but not universally better than the XP-10. I used the the XP-10 with Rogue Audio, Levinson, and Audio Alchemy class a (om.90) monos.  It sounded great with all of them:)  It is a great audio value at current used prices in my opinion.  Unfortunately, none of this listening was with a Pass amp or my newly acquired Thiel speakers.

My Cardas wire is, maybe, 5% of my total costs. For me, that’s not a dealbreaker when I’m trying to maximize SQ (short of $$$ Dueland caps and Path resistors). Now, the Cardas binding posts are more expensive and I’ll compare those in conjunction with the wire. If/when Tom brings kits to market he’ll have to decide on what to include.

With the 2.4 there are at least 3 iterations of XOs. IMO, the FST boards have no parts worth salvaging (the Clarity SA caps are good but are now surpassed by two generations of Clarity caps and the resistors, coils and other caps are plainly subpar) but Lexington boards have good coils that can be reused, probably a cap or three as well. I imagine Tom will need to accommodate these differences, perhaps also accounting for each owners preferences (which might include budget?). My beta-boards will probably be the only ones with this combo of parts, still under test.

That said, note Tom’s caution that additional delays are probable, even beyond the ongoing testing.

esprits4s
Thank You for your assessment of the XP-10. Which ARC pre-amp did you purchase?   Happy Listening!