Keithr it isn't that the Pass didn't sound good, Musicfx compared a Pass Labs integrated at $12k to a T+A Integrated an 2500R from the less expensive R series integrated amp, for $11k for use with a pair of Wilson Sashas and bought the T+A. because to his ears the T+A sounded better.
We have heard Pass numerous times, it is very musical solid state, it just doesn't have the speed and dimensional quality you get from the T+A gear, it is also way more colored.
The Octave stuff is excellent if you want tubes
The very fact that Dynaudio was importing the T+A gear and was recommending the two brands says quite a lot.
The two companies parted ways because T+A felt that Dynaudio was more concerened with marketing of their speakers then actively getting T+A off the ground in the US.
Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ.