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

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.

"If the choice is between the X350.5 (MSRP $11K) and the XA100.5 (MSRP $16K), then what would you say?"

XA100.5. But don't rule out the 60.5 or even the 30.5 especially if you don't play your music that loud and I'm guessing you don't with the CLS. Electrostatics are capable of such great microdynamics, an XA.5 should be a great match for them.

For a preamp, Pass's XP-10 or 20 would be a nice match and if you favor tube pres, Conrad Johnson is my favorite. As I'm typing this in my office right now, I'm listening to a CJ CT-5 driving an XA30.5. I've had no desire to change this combo in my office.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I spoke to Pass Labs and was told that the equivalent power amp for the X350.5 is the XA100.5, with maximum outputs of 28 amps each. I'm afraid that the smaller XA amps might have trouble driving the difficult CLS speakers.