Krell FPB 400CX vs PASS LABS X-350.5

Ditto Tvad's comments. If you want to stick to solid state you could also consider the class A models from Plinius: SA-50, SA-100 & SA-02.... or Clayton S40 & M100

I agree with Tvad and Pdreher. Based on my experience with earlier Pass class-A vs AB designs, including older Threshold models, if the XA-60.5 is remotely close in price to the X-350.5 go for the XA. It will sound enormously powerful on the Nines and will have subtlety and nuance the AB amp lacks.

Happy listening,
John DeVore

Thanks a bunch, guys. I appreciate you taking the time to call me the other day, John. I picked up the Nines last week, and they are awesome. I just sold my Pass Labs X-250.5 and and have ruled out the krell FPB, so it will be the X-350.5 for now. I've found a good deal on the X-350.5, but someday plan to go up again to the XA-100.5's.

Best Regards,
Greg

I talked with a very reputable Pass Labs dealer and he mentioned that the XA-60.5 would be a different sound than the X-350.5 He said it would be warmer, and more tube sounding but the X-350.5 would have much more control and bass slam (he doesn't have any X-350.5's now, and isn't trying to push me one way or the other). I listen to mostly rock and roll, and complex sounding music at moderate to higher volumes. The XA-60.5's would probably do it with the Nines and be the best choice, but Pass agree's that I may want t a little more power than that - considering my taste. I actually started thinking the XA-30.5 would be the sweetest, but it wouldn't have enough UMPH for me. Pass warned me of this. I was thinking the XA-60.5 would do it, but have started to rethink that I should go with the XA-100.5's. I know these would smoke the X-350.5 but are much less expensive than the XA-60.5 or the XA-100.5's

Do you guys think the XA-60.5 would be more than enough?? Keep in mind, I hope to move up to the DeVore Fidelity Silverbacks someday.....(part of the reason for wanting a amp plenty big enough, and essentially all class A)

TVAD I went on a tube quest for about 10 years, and had dozens of very expensive tubes, and was rolling them all the time. I decided to make the change back to solid state a few years ago and have never looked back. I do aggree that they sound like nothing else, but for me the ease of SS is very appealing. I am in love with the Pass X and XA amps/preamps. Thanks for all your help. I will let you know what I decide to do. I'm going to try and get both the X-350.5 and the XA-60.5 in my home together at the same time to properly compare.