2. amps-preamps
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McIntosh MC-1.2KW vs PASS XA-160.5 amps ??

I am torn between the two set of amps.

Love the finesse of the PASS AX-160.5 amps and also love the brute power of the McIntosh MC-1.2KW amps.

Both priced around $22K msrp for the pair.

What is the better choice in general between the two?

My TAD reference speakers will sound great on either set, so it comes down to pros and cons of the PASS vs MCINTOSH.

Thank you for your contribution.
moltze
brf
1,715 posts
 
Which pre do you use?
Post removed 
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
Don't know about the pass but my mc 1.2 run about room tempature and sound right without a long warmup or leaving them on 24/7. I can't imagine wanting anything different after having these, they sound just as good at a wisper as they do cranked. Ed
mdowns32's avatar
mdowns32
71 posts
 
I'd go with the Pass, since I own the XA60.5's and love them!
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
owned both Mc501s and XA60.5s. Pass were more refined, transparent, better stage depth. Mac's had better dynamics & sense of command of the speakers. if i had bigger Pass amps, might have been an easy choice, but as it was, i kept the 501s (my listening bias is 1st and foremost dynamics & control).

tone is equally good b/w both. can listen to both all day, and i can say that about VERY few SS amps.
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