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Upgrade from Pass Labs XA30.8 to X250.8. Worth it?

I am getting ready to make some upgrades to the system. I currently running a DAC into a BAT51SE, then a Pass Labs XA30.8, then finally into Decware DM947 speakers (don't worry if you've never heard of them; not the last word in speakers, but have been doing a solid job for about 5 years now.)

I am contemplating moving up the Pass Labs amplifier line, and the X250.8 looks attractive. I would like to hear more bass authority and definition, but I don't really want to sacrifice the mids and highs of the 30.8. 

I would love to hear some of your impressions of the X250.8, especially if you are able to make some direct comparisons to the XA30.8. I've spoken with both Mark at Reno Hifi, and Kent English of Pass Labs; both are wonderful and informative people. What I am interested in now is the opinions and experiences of end users of either of these amps. 

Thanks! 
willrich47
wbud
4 posts
 

I have an x250.8 and have enjoyed it for more than a year first with Magnepan 3.7 speakers and now GE Triton Reference.  I have not heard the XA30.8 but thought you might get some useful information from this review of the XA60.8 vs. the X250.8.  Good luck on your decision. 


wbud
4 posts
 
For some reason the link didn't post, but you can find it if you google X250.8 review and look at Terry London's Hometheater review
willrich47 OP
52 posts
 
@tjassoc thanks man! The comparison is helpful. There are so many opinions out there, some informed, some not, it’s difficult to know for sure without hearing. At this stage I think it best to aggregate the opinions I am getting to make that informed threshold decision: whether to order the amp for the in-home trial.

Although not the exact amps I am asking about, your comparison does carry a lot of weight. 

I’ve heard great things about the 200.5’s too. I assume they bested your 30.5? ;-)
willrich47 OP
52 posts
 
Wbud,

thanks for the advice. I thought Mark at RenoHifi’s unsolicited reference to that review was interesting as well:

“Terry London's review says that the X-250.8 and XA-60.8 sound "the same."   I don't agree that they sound the same, but they are certainly very close in sound.  The X-250.8 has more power and is more economical, so for almost everyone, the X-250.8 would be the way to go.  The XA-60.8's are at least $3000 more than the X-250.8.”
brrgrr
163 posts
 
w1000i..Exactly my setup....And the 30.8 drives them to ear splitting levels ....that was my thinking when i bought my Personas, and although I’d love to try other amps, remote location precludes that..Let’s just say that listening to Panama Red , by Peter Rowan, live in concert, sets me back in the chair with bass and the amp doesn’t move the needles...I actually have never seen them move....maybe they are broken!!...)))
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