Bjbcab, I tend to agree with you. It's a bit too edgy to hear that a top of the line Ayre amplifier, which is highly regarded, couldn't drive practically anything. Besides, the Maxx 3 and gigs I heard at that dealer sounds worse than his Sasha, and definitely fell well behind the Maxx 2/BAT I heard elsewhere. The whole thing does not make any sense. Since I own Pass equipment I also called Pass Labs directly. This "Q" woofer design from Wilson Audio, whatever that means, just gives out more distinctive bass at higher power input. Pass believe either an XA100.5 or perhaps the XA160.5 would drive Maxx 3 just fine. Everything thus far seems to jive with what you said.
I would still hope to hear more information regarding the Snell Illusion if possible. Hardly any individual knows about it. Stereophile was the only major reviewer with comments about it. Spending that kind of money on a fairly unknown piece despite how wonderful it may sound to me the 1st time is rather risky. I only know that Snell used to be hot a few decades ago, then they went silent.