I've found some links to XA100.5 in Japan : http://joshinweb.jp/audio/5179/2098141150805.html http://www.e-na.co.jp/joshinweb/product/index.asp?prd_id=2098141150805-31-808 http://ichinose.tblog.jp/?eid=136156 It seems to be available in Toronto too : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=816362
I have found a pdf of the XA100.5 : http://www.electori.co.jp/PASS/XA100.5.pdf The 2 big differences are : selectable gain : 26 or 30 db (the XA100 has only 26 db gain) and a much higher max current : 28 A against 5 A. This point should bring a better power with low impedance speakers. The other specifications are very close. The XA60.5 seems to be available too, but no XA160.5 or XA200.5.
Jameswei, thanks for sharing the link......wow, I don't know what to make of that Stereophile article. I'm a little saddened to hear of the new alignment from the end user point of view...but, I can understand businesswise why they are making the changes that they are.
I just hope this isn't a trend that puts the high end further out of reach for audiophiles.
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