Hi Eric, I've owned a number of higher-end pieces of equipment from various Mfg.'s over the years (decades), all with their specific sonic signature. As my listening and music tastes evolved, I found myself with fairly efficient (93-db 6-ohm nominal) speakers and have delighted in the micro and macro detail using a very dynamic SET 300-B amp and more recently a SIT-2 First-Watt amp. Both the SET amp and SIT-2 give me great detail from bass to treble and a wide and deep believable sound-stage. My listening is mostly to small well-recorded ensembles, male and especially female vocalists with a few instrument backup and jazz. I have not had any other amps that I've experienced give me the "you're there" feeling and realism than the SET and SIT-2 amps have done. The SET is slightly smoother than the SIT-2 however both in my opinion are equally-accurate. While for most of my listening, both of these amps are great, there are times that I do want a little more headroom for my louder listening (rock and some jazz). I love the SIT-2 Nelson Pass design so much that I wanted to try the XA30.8 stereo Pass-Labs amp... Since Reno Hi-Fi has such a great return policy, I felt that this would be a good opportunity to try one of his amps with more guts. I was not disappointed ! While the 30.8 is not quite as micro-detailed as the SET or SIT-2 amps (I'm splitting hairs now) I am thoroughly impressed with this amp from every aspect especially macro-dynamics. With my 93-db 6-ohm speakers, they never seem to run out of "gas" or even strain with loudly-played music. If I can say anything about it, it's greatly under-rated, power-wise ! One thing you must do though is give the amp at least 5 full-days of turn-on time (nothing needs to be playing) before the amp sounds terrific. It needs that break-in time. This amp tends to have a smooth, slightly warm sound that would give you a sonic impression similar to that of an accurate tube-amp. It's an amp that I could certainly live with if I didn't have the SET or SIT-02, however I'm glad that I have all three ! Nelson Pass has done a great job of designing this amp and I'd venture to say that the rest of that XA line would be terrific, should you need more power than 30 Class-A WPC. If you decide to buy Pass-Labs or First-Watt, give Mark @ Reno Hi-Fi a call. Terrific information, customer service and prices !
Respectfully,
John
Respectfully,
John