Pass Labs xa - .5 amps


Has anyone compared the new Pass XA-30.5 stereo amp to the XA-60.5 mono amps? Interested to hear your impressions. I am considering one (or two) these for use with my ML Vantage speakers. Thanks.

Bob R.
rmrobinson1957
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Tvad,

Understood on your correction comment about the single ended and balanced having MINIMAL differences. I was NOT trying to take your words and place them in a misconstrued context as it came across in my post. Apology extend.

Minimal Differences.. Minimal Differences..
My earlier comment about sound superiority when compared the XA60.5 against a Stereophile Class A amplifier was based on using single-ended connection. My preamp is also in the Stereophile Class A category. Its manufacturer has a radical viewpoint that balanced connection does not make a difference in light of their well crafted circuitry. So back then there was that lingering thought about perhaps my preamp could be eclipsed by an different preamp of equivalent pricing but with balanced connection. I am known to be picky and difficult on just about anything, even as my preamp sounds pretty good and is well respected by enough professional reviewers. Yet after getting the pair of XA60.5 and am so surprised at their performance, I have resigned my concern.

The point here is more about Class A amplifier than about Pass Lab. I just dive right into Pass because they are the measuring stick and the bridging gap when people attempt to compare solid state amplifiers to tube amplifiers, with each category having its own strengths. But I would think a few upper-end Class A amplifiers beside Pass could somewhat portray what I am talking about.
Unsound you are correct in theory. The good news is that most companies which bother to produce such unwieldy beasts also care more than usual about quality because these are not produced for average audiophiles but for real old school die hards who don't care about size, heat, looks, efficiency or the latest " review". Spatine there are many well executed pure class a designs even though I admire Nelson Pass designs and have enjoyed talking to him from time to time about all things audio. - Jim
I must bow to the respected Audiogoners that have personal experience with the Pass amps, but, I was under the impression that the special design traits of the Pass amps benefit even more so from balanced use than is typicaly the case with other amplifiers.