Dynaudio C1 and Pass amp

Hi. There is some debate about the pass xa30.5 driving speakers to a high levels. I have used this amp since its launch and prior to this a X350 power amp which claims some 350 watts output power. What i can say is that both provided lots of power at usable levels. Certainly more than enough volume. Im talking about volumes that are comfortable but loud, not ear damaging loudness thats no use in normal domestic settings. However I do recall the 350 having a touch more slam but not quite the extreme clarity of the newer but weaker model.

C1 Sigs have arrived. XA30.5 has absolutely no problem driving the Sigs in my 18x25 room. My normal listening level is 75-80db average SPL with peak of 85-90db at the sweet spot (I listen with lower level at night). Meter doesn't move from 11:30 position even for bass heavy materials. I tried to push a bit harder and it seems I have a good 8-9 db headroom above my normal listening level before the Pass needle starts to move to the right side (leaving class A). And that is at very loud level and I'd never listen at this level for extended period of time.

I set the speakers on the short wall with 8 feet between them. 2 feet from the back wall and sweet spot is 9 feet away from both speakers. The music has great slam and dynamic swings are handled pretty well.

I have that exact combo in my den. It's great at lower levels but when you turn it up you can some of the dynamic range go away imho. Then again I have tinnitus so what do I know, lol

Hi Acropora,
Interesting. Would you care to elaborate "some of dynamic range go away"? As far as I can tell, at my normal listening level, it is not missing much in big dynamic swings, if any.

I guess the easiest way to find out is getting another Pass amp like X250.5 (as suggested above by Keithr) and do an A/B. But I'm not sure if I need to do it. The amp needle doesn't move.

Best,

I received my Pass XA 30.5 a couple of days ago, which I am using to power Dynaudio Confidence 2 II speakers. No trouble driving my Dynaudios at reasonably loud listening levels (just before it becomes uncomfortable). No trouble with bass. The meter stays at 12 position (in a couple of instances, just over). I have an open floor plan. No problems with sound levels. I mostly listen to Jazz, pop and rock. Don't know how it would handle symphonic music. I replaced Class D amps that were rated 575 watts per channel, doubling output into 4 ohms. I don't feel I am missing anything power wise and the Pass sounds so much more lush and involving than my prior amps right out of the box.