I owned the 30.5, 60.5 and 100.5. The Xp-20 is still a nice pre amp. I was happy with it for 2 years, so don't get me wrong.
I had a few discussions with Desmond from Pass Labs about roomcorrection. To be honest when Tact ( later Lyngdorf) came out with there perfect room system ( we sold it) I didn't like it. I was not a big fan of roomcorrection at all.
The same about subwoofers for stereo use. I did not believe it could integrate as I wanted it to be.
That is why hearing is believing. Testing can give other thoughts about subwoofers and also about roomcorrection.
Don't forget that the first times I used Audyssey I did not like the limitations. As you know I hate every single limitation in sound. But on the other hand I heard things I really liked.
What happens next is that I have idea's in my head and then the testing starts.
By doing things totally differently I got a much better endresult with less limitations. After many tests you get a superior level compared what normally is possible.
That is why I believe there is room for a highend pre amp with roomcorrection. I told this to Desmond as well. It can bring you further than what is possible with just a pre amp.
I created the stealth integration with a subwoofer by using Audyssey Pro my way. In the past I never thought this would be possible.
For some time I prefered the Pass Labs XA.5 series. I owned 3 of these serie. I bought the X250.5 just to see what it does and what differences are compared to the XA.5 series.
I prefer the extra drive, more crispy high and extra speed. With my Pro measurment I can adjust the sound a lot more easy than with a XP-20. It gives me more freedom to adapt.
So why a 350.8? Because now I only need 1 powercable. And I prefer the speed, extra drive and crispy high freq over the more musical and involving sound. Because I can create the mid freq. just as I want it. At the end how I use it I can get a higher endresult with the X-series.
I would be happy with the XA series as well. I could easilly live with them. I love the properties Pass Labs gives. This is what I want and need in my sound.
In the last years I send emails to Pass Labs about what I think are the limitations of there amps and pre amps.
Not cause of my emails, but they are aware of the limitations them selves I guess. I think when I read the emails from Pass Labs and from the new owners of the .8 series it is improved a lot.
In every part,it also gives a much more intimate and realistic individual focus.
The .5 series give a wide and deep stage, but within this stage the sharpness and realistic proportion of voices and instruments were not the best. At many shows people used MIT and Shunyata cables with the Pass Labs gear.
Then you were listening to voices and instruments which were much too big in proportion. I had discussions about this issue with Desmond from Pass labs.
What are my needs in sound?
More control, more authorithy, more speed, more resolution, a wider stage, a deeper stage, even better natural sound, even better blacks, sharper individual focus. And even more flavors in the mid freq.
Then you compare what the possibilites and prices are. Then you think that the 350.8 will be a good options to improve what I want and need.