considering amps a vs b ... which better or worse.... always always depends on the situation, associated gear, listener taste
that been said. i would say 8 or 9 of 10 experienced audiophiles and music lovers asked to choose between the 2 would choose the pass unit - it is not a tubed unit but the build quality, pedigree of the designer and company behind the product, and outright sound quality would be superior in most circumstances