Pass Labs amp choice for CLS - What would you do?

DCHAZEN,

To the question between between X350.5 or X600. I suggest the you take a look on the specs of your speakers. If the X350.5 can handle it, much better. Don't over drive your speakers.

For preamp. You can go for Passlabs or look for a tube preamp with a simple circuit like EAR 834L chrome, Audio Research, VTL etc.

Thanks for the feedback. As I continue to talk to people and read it is becoming clear that the .5 model change is important. The CLS likes a lot of power and the impedance can dip down to 2 ohms, so the amp has to be stable. I understand that the original XA series had issues with handling low impedance speakers, but this was corrected in the .5 series. The pure class A power of the XA is supposed to be phenomenal sounding, but the class A watts are more expensive. On the other hand, I have read that you don't need as many class A watts to drive the same speaker. I have seen comments that the X350.5 and the XA100.5 are the "sweet spots" in the Pass Labs model line up in terms of power that can handle most speakers and bang for the buck. If the choice is between the X350.5 (MSRP $11K) and the XA100.5 (MSRP $16K), then what would you say?

Dchazen, if it's in your budget, in my opinion, you should go for the XA-100.5's. If you read my review on the XA-60.5's for the details regarding their sonic beauty, you will see that they are on a higher musical level then the X-.5 amps and yet now have the current/watts to drive virtually any speaker. I would also suggest you give a call to Mark at Reno Hi-Fi with any questions you might have and he's great to do business with. You could set up a 30 day home audition, if you don't keep the amps you pay for shipping back and a very small restocking fee.

I also recommend the XA100.5. In my review on Audiogon, I compare it to other Pass Class A amps that I have owned, and it is by far the best of the bunch and it can handle difficult loads. You will also have the advantage of mono blocks over the stereo X350.5. I have not heard the X350.5. Mark @ RENO might even have a good demo listed. I bought mine from him and it was in excellent condition and I saved some money. Two audio friends heard my XA100.5 driving my Egglestons and both called RENO and ordered pairs.

I'd also recommend XA-.5 over XA or X-.5. You may not have to get XA-100.5 to get adequate power for your speakers. For example my XA-30.5 clips at around 200W at 4 Ohm load. It's driving a pair of JM Labs Electra. You may or may not need more power for your CLS, but keep in mind that Pass amps are rated very conservatively.