Karapuz,
I think you should try to define what it is that you are trying to achieve. I also think that those listening levels are higher than what I was expecting from your earlier description. Once you are clear on what you want improved, I second the suggestion that you contact a Pass dealer or Mark at Reno HiFi for a clear explanation about what you would gain from either the XP10 to 20 upgrade or the XA30.5 to 100.5 upgrade. Given that your needles are moving and your listening levels are not that low, I would lean toward the XA100.5.
I used to own the 100.5 and upgraded to the 160.5 because I was noticing the same movement in the meter and felt the amps could not quite drive my new speakers adequately. Mark advised me and his descriptions were spot on. Dynamics, impact, sense of ease, natural musical flow and inner detail all improved. I was really quite surprised.
On the other hand, the XP-20 is a fantastic preamp. And that upgrade should cost a lot less.
I think you should try to define what it is that you are trying to achieve. I also think that those listening levels are higher than what I was expecting from your earlier description. Once you are clear on what you want improved, I second the suggestion that you contact a Pass dealer or Mark at Reno HiFi for a clear explanation about what you would gain from either the XP10 to 20 upgrade or the XA30.5 to 100.5 upgrade. Given that your needles are moving and your listening levels are not that low, I would lean toward the XA100.5.
I used to own the 100.5 and upgraded to the 160.5 because I was noticing the same movement in the meter and felt the amps could not quite drive my new speakers adequately. Mark advised me and his descriptions were spot on. Dynamics, impact, sense of ease, natural musical flow and inner detail all improved. I was really quite surprised.
On the other hand, the XP-20 is a fantastic preamp. And that upgrade should cost a lot less.