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Pass Labs AMP’s- What is the best Pass Amp Sound for You from past 10 years

So I have an XA-25 and its outstanding. I’ve tested the XA60.8 mono’s and there was not enough difference to move to them; no jaw dropping moments. Don’t get me wrong they were fantastic, but so is the XA25. Looking at the 350.8 or 250.8, etc.... even in comparison the Integrated INT-250... If you love it; want to explain what you like and why? I’m wondering what others are thinking... 
My set up: Wilson Sophia II’s, XA-25, Pass Labs XP-22 pre, Merging+NADAC. 
jahatl513
unsound
7,333 posts
 
@georgehifi, You probably know better than I. I'm just reporting what Threshold claimed. It's interesting that Threshold's SA1's which were rated by Threshold as 160 Watts of Class A power were mono-block's of the same platform as the stereo S 500.
goofy's avatar
goofy
33 posts
 
Until recently I owned my long term McIntosh Mc 501mono blocks paired with Sonus Faber Amati Homage Speakers and the Awesome Modwright Ls 36.5DM preamp and I thought my system was good not great, on a whim I picked up the outstanding Pass Labs XA30.5 for a second Amp well this Amp blew me away the layers of detail in my system was just outstanding and control of deep Bass was much improved over my McIntosh I was so impressed I sold my McIntosh mono blocks (something I never thought I'd do) and bought a used  set of Pass Labs XA100.5 mono blocks I am still running these in (they have been sitting for a year) it's sad what I was missing,  I did love my McIntosh but Pass Labs XA.5 Amplifiers are in a different league,  enjoy!
audiofound
81 posts
 
"[...Interesting the int 250 doesn't get much love here. The reviews are pretty darn good....]" Report
I have noticed that. Although the reviews and forum comments have been highly enthusiastic, positive, and consistently so. Perhaps it's because most of the Pass Labs amps that we read about have been around much longer than the int 250. The int 250 is still a relatively recent design and has not been around long enough to have developed the fan base that the older Pass amps have. Also, the int 250 is a pricey amp and that can somewhat restrict sales. It'll just take time for the int 250 to populate. And it looks like I might soon be adding to that population.
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audiofound
81 posts
 
Looks like I was wrong. Pass gear is getting plenty of love here lately.
aspar13
2 posts
 
Great thread and views. New to (higher end) hi-fi by recently getting Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers and am now looking for a Pass Labs amplifier.
Any advice on which of the Pass amps - integrated or separates, would work well with these speakers? The room is large with a high ceiling. Mostly listen to jazz, blues, classical music. 
Cheers.
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