Classe 350 vs Pass Labs X600.5

The XA.5 series is entirely different from the X.5 series. I've had the X600.5s and now the XA200.5s. The XA200.5s are wonderful. The X600.5s are very good after 12-24 hours warm-up, but not close to the XA.5s. The XA.5 needs no warm-up and sounds all that more natural, powerful, and effortless.

If you have a budget for the XA200.5s, I would actually recommend you consider the XA100.5 or the XA160.5 with the Tripoint Troy for the price differential. The combination with the Troy will far exceed just the XA200.5 alone.

Rtn1, from your comments, I assume you don't leave the XA200.5 on 24/7? How long of a warm-up for maximum performance? Have you compare the Bryston 28BSST to your Pass? I heard the 28BSST runs very cool, only requires an hour of warm-up and sounds fantastic.

I had a Krell FPB600 and like the X600.5, a 24 hr warm up is required for maximum performance. I leave it on 24/7 and it was MISERABLE in hot humid summer months.

The XA.5 requires no warm-up. I don't even leave it on during the winter. It sounds great coming out of stand-by. If it gets any better over the first hour, I would have difficulty discriminating in a blinded test.

I have no experience with the Bryston. But, I am now a believer in pure class A amps.

That's good to know. I'm investigating SS amp for my Eggleston Andra IIs. Requirements are mono-blocks, short warm-up time and cool running is a plus.

I will add Pass XA100.5 or XA160.5 to my list.

I was reading on the Pass web site and noticed on the Lit option there is a statement
Leaves Class A at pk Watts: 80 for X600.5
Where did you get 170 watts for class A?