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Pass Labs XA.5 vs XA.8

I moved from the XA60.5 to the XA100.5 to get a better handle on my Magnepan 3.7i and two DWMs.  It was  real trade-off between the two.  The XA100.5 were a touch better suited for the 3.7i and DWMs powerwise.  The meters move a bit less often but surprisingly it was not night and day.  The XA100.5 has a more laid back presentation than the XA60.5.  Lead vocals were not as front and center.  ...almost making it a touch more of a group than a lead and back-up.  Something like the Rolling Stones became a bit more of a band less than Mick Jagger.  On the other hand, female vocals lost a touch of the magic.  The lead sounds just as beautiful but a bit less forward.  ...especially when the female vocalist was unsupported.

So my question, I heard conflicting reports in the forums and in the press.   Some say that the 60.5 and 160.5 are more a like and the 100.5 and 200.5.  Other say that all the XA.5s are cut of the same clothe, so to speak.  Do others have opinions?

I've seen few reviews on the XA.8, but one suggested that the XA100.8 is a blend of the XA60.5 and XA100.5.  I fear reviews that say that the next generation is everything to everyone. Other pass forums have suggested that the XA100.5 and XA100.8 are quite different and one is not clearly better than the other.  ...which suggests that listening and demoing is the only way to go.  Any opinions are welcome.
tgonzales
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,605 posts
 
Thanks for the update, tgonzales.  As you say, all three of those Pass amps are great amps.  Let us know what you finally settle on.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
I second tomcy6.

You have to try in your system.

Call Reno Hi-Fi and Pass Labs.  Both will give honest answers IMO.
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
Don, I agree that why I'm demo-ing the XA100.8 against the XA100.5.  The observations above stem that the current direct comparisons.

Ken at Reno Hi-Fi was very good to deal with as other have mentioned.  In the end, I think hearing is believing.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The XA.8 amps draw almost twice the power from the wall, and cost $$$ in electricity, over the XA.5's.

They are more neutral (i.e. Colder) than XA.5's IMO.

Must try in your own system before buying.

I prefer the XA.5's.    YMMV.
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
I agree Don that the XA.8s draw more from the wall than the XA.5s.  I think it is 50% for the series (300 Watts vs 450 Watts draw). Your point is evident from the heat generated.   I've never had the XA.5 more than lukewarm whereas the XA.8 get relatively hot to the touch if left on for extended periods of time.  Mind you that I'm in Chicago and it's still early March so the house is generally cold.

I think a bit of the current draw is mitigated by the power less than 1W stand-by draw.  With that said, I'm not sure what the XA.5s drawn in stand-by mode.

As for colder/more neutral, it's close.  The XA100.5 seemed a bit more romantic.  The XA60.5 had a sparkle that the XA100.5 seemed to lack.  The XA100.8 seemed to me and in my particular system a step closer to the XA60.5.  Vocalists a step more forward.  Bass more powerful.  Blacker, blacks.  

With that said, two points.  First, I decided to trade in the XA100.5s for the XA100.8; thus, some bias (in taste and buyer's honeymoon period).  Second, the XA100.5 were very good.  Different.  By a hair the XA100.5 were better than XA60.5 in my system.  A by a hair, the XA100.8 were better than the XA100.5s in my system.  And in all fairness, I may not have traded them if I hadn't still be in the trade-in period allowing for no depreciation to factor in and received a very reasonable price on the new model.

Listening to Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline right now, it is difficult to ignore the music and think about upgrades.   ...it's time to flip slides.  Good night.
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