PassLabs 350.8 versus Ayre MXR Twenty

@mikey8811 As I mentioned above I consider the X350.8 to be a bargain. Don't believe all the tube-like characteristics that Ayre claim in their marketing material. It's just marketing speak.  IMO, if an amp doesn't get the bass foundation correct, then you're always looking for what the problem with your system may be.  Once I replaced the MXR-20s with the X350.8, the bass coherence improved which improves the overall presentation.  I used to own Pass Labs XA100.5 and I know the X350.8 is Class A/B and technically shouldn't be as good as the XA100.5, but I've had a few people tell me they believe the X350.8 is a 'giant killer' in the Pass lineup.  
The difference with the Boulder 2060 is that as you increase the volume, it just gets louder and there's no difference in sound characteristics. The X350.8 and the MXR-20s seem a bit strained as you increase the volume.  Probably as they switch over to Class B, which is easy to tell on the X350.8, and a mystery on the MXR-20s.
Remember, most of the weight of the MXR-20s is the aluminum chassis.  I don't claim to be an electrical engineer, but when you open the hood, it's easy to see why they don't generate lots of current - there's just no muscle underneath.

  



 

@cycles2 thanks for confirming what I heard at the showroom demo.

As per my post above, I preferred the Pass XA200.5’s driven by ARC Ref 5 SE to VX R Twenty with KX R Twenty. I found the Pass had a fuller, more musical sound and the Ayre comparatively leaner, perhaps owing to the bass coherence you cite.

I am pretty happy with the X350.8 but as you know in this crazy hobby, you always wonder about the ones you didn’t get....

My speakers are the Vienna Acoustics Kiss which in spite of a low impedance dip, is an easier load than the Rockports, so the strain at high volumes is not as apparent sonically even though I do see the meter twitch and leave Class A.

I do enjoy the speed and slam the X350.8 gives (someone else had a very apt descriptor of "ballsy") which I have been told is a characteristic of Pass Class AB vs Pass Class A amps. I am unsure if this is true as I have not AB’ed them in the same system but do remember the XA 100.5 being very musical if a bit too laid back with some older Sonus Faber speakers.

Thanks again

I found the Pass had a fuller, more musical sound and the Ayre comparatively leaner, perhaps owing to the bass coherence you cite.

I have found the same to be true.

However, which one would work best for the user would depend on his associated gear, and his musical tastes.
Many folks love the Ayre gear with warmer speakers like Vandy's.
Any speaker/room interface that might have a bit of bass bloat, may work better with the Ayre.

In the end, it's all about balancing a systems resolution and musicality to suit your own personal tastes.

@vindanpar, all Class A/B amps change sound characteristics when they transition from Class A to Class B. However, we're talking pretty high volume levels depending on your speaker sensitivity.  I wouldn't worry about it as you may never transition to Class B at your listening level.  The sound isn't bad, it's just a tad different.  Besides Pass Labs are a safe investment in this crazy hobby. They're easy to sell and hold their value if you keep it in good condition and save your packaging. Are you looking at new or a pre-owned 350.8?  For a pre-owned in good condition, you should expect to spend about $8k - $9k.