Pass Labs XA200.5


Much has been said of the Nelson Pass’ XA.5 series. They are among the most reviewed and most recommended amplifier on these pages. And yet, I feel compelled to add my contribution by heaping some additional praise. I have said there is no such thing as a perfect amplifier. Now I am starting to think that if Nelson has not achieved it, he certainly comes very close. The Pass Labs XA200.5 has exceeded all expectations. Coming upon 12 months, my enthusiasm has not diminished. This amplifier has put me into a state of satisfaction, placing it solidly in a 'final destination' category.

Over the past year, I have spoken to many enthusiasts and dealers about amplifier choices. One could get as many recommendations as people you can call. Although I was curious about Pass amps on my current speakers based upon past experience, many dealers were characteristically unenthused. I went out on a limb with the Pass. If you think you know the Pass line based upon the X or X.5 series, then think again.

The XA.5 lets music soar. The words that come to mind are ‘majestic’, ‘natural’, ‘relaxed’, and ‘flowing’. There is a texture and depth to the midrange that I believe is unique to a handful of solid-state amplifiers. In addition, there is what I call the paradoxical midrange, wherein a sense of warmth is also accompanied by increased detail. Many amplifiers create a sense of ‘warmth’ by adding a haze over the midrange. The Pass is totally clear and open across the mids. The words dry and clinical do not even enter the mind. These mids are wet, plump, and juicy.

The bass is just natural, full, and controlled. The entire presentation is effortless, controlled, and delineated, with no strain or compression even with the loudest climaxes. The higher frequencies have energy and detail without glare or hardness. There is no added background noise, and music rises and falls into a natural acoustic space. The music is dynamic, interesting, and compelling. Music can be delicate and subtle one moment, and powerful and fierce the next. These amps are fun, exciting, and thrilling.

The Pass is expensive, but not as expensive as its competition. I don’t need to say anything further about customer support, build quality, or reliability. I do not like to tell people what to buy, but one should definitely consider auditioning these Pass amps in your search for that elusive amplifier. Combining this amp with a quality tubed preamp (BAT Rex), the Tripoint Troy, and Jade Audio cables has really created a very natural presentation that has brought me closer to live music that transcends debates of tubes vs. solid state. I feel that these 4 pieces in combination are at the heart of my system.
rtn1
Audioblazer,

I don't know the benefit of the XA200.5 vs. 160.5 for the Savoy. Those are big speakers, but the impedence seems reasonable. Your best bet is to speak with Pass direct, or a dealer that carries both. There are no sonic compromises with going larger - just initial cost, heat, size, and energy consumption. If you have a big room and listen to complex orchestral music, err on the larger size. Rock music with alot of bass doesn't make the needles jump on my amps, but big orchestral and opera pieces can. That is why I say music complexity requires more power than just loudness.
I agree with Rtn1. I have not experienced any sonic penalty when switching to the bigger Class A Pass amps. Now that may be because the speakers needed the extra power, so overall the sound is better on balance and this may be overshadowing any small sonic penalty. I think it is really hard to know, but I have always had better results with the bigger amps.

I used to own a pair of Eggleston Rosas. They needed a lot of power, as do my current speakers. If you can afford to move up to the 200.5 and don't mind the heat, weight etc, I think you should do it.

You can also call Pass directly or Mark at RENO HiFi for advice.
Thanks for the feedback. My dedicated room size, 14.5 x24.75 x 10.50'. Yes I do prefer jazz, rock & classical music. Have been audition a few amp, namely , pathos adrenalin, gryphon colosseum & Viola bravo. Pathos adrenalin is a wonderful amp for vocal . However not sure it has the transient speed & dynamic swing I want. Not conclusive since the amp is only 3 days old when I audition it. gryphon is fantastic , transparent , detail , fast & exciting. Unfortunately at Euro 72k is too pricey for me. Viola , doesn't excite me. Heard a pass labs XA160 ( older model ) driving a savoy reasonably well but as well as I wanted . Not sure amp issue or simply because the Savoy is new with about 100 hrs play time. Hence the question. Off course I would expect XA200.5 to have better headroom but is the headroom necessary for an extra usd12k ( 3x my local currency). May be audition a vitus sm 010 mono block at 100watt class which is more powerful than it seems. 1 owner of goldmund 2500 ( 1k watt) claimed it seems more powerful than his goldmund. So the search is on
No matter what you say no amplifier is worth the thousands of mindless $$$$$$ they retail for these days. An aluminum/steel of highest grade box full of highest quality caps transformers and FETs no matter what won’t add up to $34000. $34000 gets you a Mustang for heaven’s sake ,open your eyes! If you talk about R&D then that Mustang has more of it in there!
Yes but in every hobby, there is that problem of perspective. For instance, I also like to collect coins. There are many coins worth the price of a house and you would ask yourself should I buy a house or hold this little coin in my hand for the same price. On the flip side of that coin (pun intended) you have to ask yourself should I give up this hobby all together and give that money to feed a hungry family. Everything is a situation (to quote Andy Sipowicz) and all things have to be taken into perspective.