Upgrade from Emotiva XPA1 to Bryston 28bsst2 or Pass X350.8


Hello everyone, this is my first post. I have fairly recently begun building up a system after many years away from owning any decent home hifi equipment. I started off with Maggie 1.7 speakers running off Emotiva XPA1 mono-block amps. I am now driving my Revel Salon 2 speakers with the same Emotiva XPA1 Mono-block amps, with a Bryston BP-17 pre-amp. I have been using the Emotiva amps for a few years, as starter gear for re-entering the hobby, however I would like some good feedback on potential replacement amps that would significantly improve the already amazing sound quality of the Salon 2 speakers. I was thinking either Bryston 28bsst2's or Pass X350.8 or similar. What do y'all recommend for driving the Salon 2 speakers. I would like to hear better sound for jazz at low to mid listening levels, but still need enough power for rock music at higher levels. Thanks.
brystonkiwi
I’ve heard the Pass X250.8 in my system. It was a lovely, liquid sound, slightly midrange-forward to my ears and easy to listen to in the treble. I would have kept it, but I couldn’t tolerate (in a basement room) the 400W of heat it puts out at ldle. If anything, the X350.8 should sound even better, and run even hotter.

For years, I used a Bryston 14B SST, and I thought it was the best amp I’d had. I still miss it. Reviews of the 28B say it’s in an even higher class in the treble especially, and the bump from SST to SST2 is supposed to add a little more to that. Comments about a 4BST, though certainly offered in good faith, won’t reflect the sound of a 28B SST2.

So, I think you have named two great choices, and the only way to know which one is right for you is auditioning in your own system and room.

I would also suggest the Parasound Halo line, and for mono blocks, the JC1.  I went from an Emotiva XPA amp to a Halo A21, and everything got better.  The imaging, the bass, the vocals, the highs, it showed how entry level the Emotiva amps are.  
Bryson 28sst mono blocks excellent. Owned a 14bsst at one time and buddy just purchased new 14 b cubed and is very happy. 
Depending on your budget... I'd look at all of the following.

Pass XA series
Mark Levinson
Ayre
Parasound JC1's
Welcome! brystonkiwi

at this level of power amplification, you must get a demo.
The natural choice would Bryston -if you are keeping the Bryston pre-amp?

Happy Listening!