Seeking opinions about Pass Labs 250.5 amp.

Not a direct comparison but I have an Int-150, which is an X150.5 and part Xp10

Best SS amp I ever had.

The X250.5 is a stunning amp. I owned the XA30.5, 60.5 and 100.5. For the money this one is my favorite. The next updat in my set will be the X350.5 or 600.5. The last one will be the biggest change. Wenn I bought the Purist Audio LE 2013 powercable the performance of the 250.5 went to a much higher level. The stage became a lot wider and deeper. The blacks went to a much higher level. And the drive was from another world. It gave the feeling of I bought a much bigger amp. Also in the high freq. you hear more and the focus of all the instruments and voices is more palpable. The X250.5 if superior to the X250. This amp was ok, but I never get thrilled by it. By using the best cables you can get a much higher level in performance out of the Pass Labs poweramps. Normally people pay more money for a new poweramp instead of better cables. That is why I do many blind tests with amps and sources with normal priced cables and less expensive amps and sources with expensive cables. Just to let people hear how much cables do these days. I am only interested in the best performance for the money a person wants to spend.

Bo, sounds like you prefer the X.5 to the XA.5. How would you describe the difference? Thanks.

I could life with both to be honnest. I prefer the extra drive and speed. The highs of the x series sounds a little more open. With the Onkyo PR-SC5509 I can drive Pass Labs poweramps a little more efficient than with the XP-20. The needle starts later to move. With the X600.5 I Always will drive in class A. Even wenn I play at high volumes. The overwhole sound I have now is already warm. Wenn I played with the XA100.5 and XP-20 I used the Valhalla loudspeakercable and the Meridian 800DAXv4. With the X250.5 and Audioquest Redwood 2013, Purist Audio 2013 limited powercable , Audioquest Wild blue Yonder new xlr and Olive 06HD I have a much warmer sound. I do not need the extra warmth of the XA series. In my situation the X series is a better option. The extra drive and speed is so addictive!!

I own the X250.5 and previously owned the X250. It is an outstanding amp for its price. It has a wide and deep soundstage, tonality of instructions appear natural, voices are presented with a presense that almost feels alive, the midrange just sounds right. It has a very deep base not as well controlled as for example the Krell evo2250e but very natural in sound. The amp will benefit from the right cables and power cords make a huge difference in the presentation and performance. It runs a bit hot and needs good ventilation. It would not be my first choice for a home theater application.