Pass Integrated to Pass separates


Hello - I'm considering upgrading my pass int-150 to xp-10 and XA.60.5's (maybe even 100's). The problem I'm facing is my source components aren't the best. I have a vpi scout 2 and a ps audio phone pre, although (this is embarrassing) most of the music I listen to is through sonos. I'm wondering if this upgrade might be pointless and I should instead upgrade my source components first (cd/dac and phono).

One thought I had was to do the upgrade as planned and get an oppo 105 to hold me over until I'm ready for a big boy digital source. The truth in all of this is I'll probably continue to primarily listen through sonos (sorry I love it). What I'm really after is just more of the pass sound, I can't get enough, it's intoxicating. Just wondering if some better quality sources would be more appropriate and I'll get more satisfaction from them alternatively to the pass separates.

I appreciate any advice from the community.

Thanks!
skyflyer04
I owned the XA100.5 and used it with the Purist Audio Aqueous powercables. Now it comes.....with the X250.5 and Purist Audio Limited 2013 powercable I had superior articulation compared to the XA100.5 with the Aqueous.

Also in the high freq. I had more resolution. Cheap powercables are not able to get all the quality out of your amp. Same thing about interconnects.

When you use a source with the dynamics of 132 db you get a much higher endresult out of your amp. Audio is all about getting the max out of all the different tools you own. That is why you need to understand an be aware of all the different properties. These properties togheter create the stage, sound, drive, resolution, blacks, timbre and focus of the overwhole sound. When you use them correctly you can get all parts which need to be there for the absolute sound. Or what I call Total sound.

The art of sound can give you a stunning sound or average or even bad sound. You need to know what you are doing!
The int-150 is the most worse Pass Labs product the produce. The X150.5 is second worse.

which pre amp you use?
I owned the XP-20 for 2 years. It is a very good pre amp, but not a stunning one. In my opinion Pass Labs make better poweramps than pre amps.