Pass Labs

Stfoth, you are correct.  If you browse the Audiogon Blue Book, it is clear that both the volume and the price of most high end gear took a huge hit in 2008-2009, making bargains available.  Since then, some items have maintained that price level, while others have continued to decline simply based on age.  But the early 2000's were a sellers market and prices were quite high by today's standards. 

That said, in the late 60's or 70's with even a modest middle class income could afford "hi-fi" with good sounding gear.  Truly terrific gear like the first Magnapans, the Rabco SL-8 straight line, etc.were affordable to a lot of people, much more than they would be today. I would nominate that period as the best market for (then) high-end gear.

Harrylavo, I do agree that the 60s were also a great time to put together a great system. Quality tube equipment, with many available in kit form. So many more great choices today however. I currently own a Dynaco ST-70 and AR 3A TT, however have them for sale.  

I usually stay clear of this type of discussion.
Grew up poor.
Went to the Army to get a chance to escape poor in the ghetto.

Take a quick look at FSB Ripcord. You will get a look at where I have been.

Yes, I have a pair of Pass XA 160.8s. I worked hard all my life. I earned them.

Each of us decides how to go through life. Also, cars, houses, education, jobs, sound systems, women, etc, etc.

Make Your Choices. Stop whining !

You need to compare them with other products in the same price league. There are always people who can afford it.

The biggest problem I have seen in the last 3-4 years is that most people are only able to create a rather low level out of the loudspeakers and amps they own

Even when you spend a lof of money on poweramps it will not solve this limitation. People who have audio as a hobby and even the people who work in audio don’t know a lot about the real properties each loudspeaker owns.

The choices they make are only founded on trial&error. This means that they try differerent combinations. But they still have no idea about which properties they take out and which ones they bring in by changing to another amp, source, cable or loudspeaker.

That is why trial&error is audiogambling. There is no discussion possible to find a good foundation to create any audio system by trial&error.

The properties are just one part. The other reasons why people are only able to get a low level in quality is based on the parts which influences the sound and stage in a nagative way.

We see that most people in audio and also who use it as a hobby have only a little knowledge in:

- the acoustics
- electricity
- smog
- high freqency noise
- magnetism

And what diversity in sound is and why it is the most important part to reveal the emotion the music possesses.

When audio goes on by trial&error the facts show that you are only able to use a low level out of any amp.

An amp like the XS150 and XS300 will not make it more easy compared to a cheaper amp. When you are not able to understand properties and are aware of all the parts who influences the sound and stage negatively audio is one big gamble.

Money will never solve the problems and limitations people create by trial&error.