Classe "omega" vs Pass Labs X600

Nealhood, I understand the new Ford performs better than their older models as well, but don't see them stepping up to update their older models.....The performance of HCA-3500 is what it is and it did not do very well in the market on account of it. Most any make and model can be "improved" and there is a specialist market for such modifications...We at CTC discovered the tweak for the HCA-3500 well after the last run had been built and bought four of them, all they had left and "B" stock at that....We published the tweak on several sites for those interested in more performance for the discontinued model.....This involved one part per side whereas the complete rebuild of the unit involved over two hundred parts.....

Jtinn thread is very accurate. I would go on to say that the Pass also does not have the musicality or layering (natural acoustic perspective) of the Classe Omega.
The Omega's are superb amplifiers!

peter jasz

I have not heard the Classe Omega. I would bet it is a fine amp for most purposes. I wouldn't hazard it on my system though. That is what I am using the Pass Labs 600 for. Because the Omega is discontinued, comparison between the two isn't possible.

I can't help but take any dealer's, or even more so, designer's, opinions without some note of suspicion. I know, I know, the majority are honest in their dealings. However, one's own children are always the best, aren't they?

My experience with the Pass X600 matches that of other 600 owners. The music just simply, and naturally, comes alive in my listening room. The dynamic range of the Pass is huge while discreet. It will whisper and roar all at the same time, and without a hint of electronic artifice. No detail is lost or smeared, and certainly not exaggerated as brightness. As for the bass, some people just will always like tight thumpy bass. The Pass X600 does not favor one type of bass over another. The bass is played out like all the other frequencies, that being with utter naturalness.

Muralman1:

"I can't help but take any dealer's, or even more so, designer's, opinions without some note of suspicion. I know, I know, the majority are honest in their dealings. However, one's own children are always the best, aren't they?"

I am a bit surprised at your statement. Sure, dealers have something to gain by raving about products they sell, but we do hear quite a bit more equipment than the end user would have the opportunity to hear. The other thing to consider is that as a dealer, if there is a product that I really love, most of the time I can carry it. There are some cases where I may love the product, but I do not carry it because of size limitations or because I have something I already carry that I may prefer.

I would be more careful of those who answer posts who own one product and have never even heard the competing product and make assumptions or speculate.

My answer to your question was based on my experience with products that I do not sell, but have quite a bit of experience with. I think that there are quality people within the industry that participate on Audiogon that act the same way. Even Crump who hates everything equally :)

Muralman1:

Just wanted to make you aware that the Omega Omicron dual mono amp is discontinued. The Omega Mono and Omega Omicron Mono amps are both still current pieces. See that's why it's good for us dealers to respond to questions also. We don't post something we've "heard through the grapevine."

Whutupyo2j:

I have not been able to listen to the Pass Labs but I can only rave about the Classe Omega line. The amps are very smooth and dynamic. Of course that's just my "opinion" which is what I believed you asked all of us to give.