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Pass X vs XA amps sound quality in class A range

If you are one of those lucky enough and has the means to upgrade from the X (or X.5) to the XA (or XA.5) Pass labs amps, is there enough of SQ differences in low power ranges, say between 5-25W, where they all perform in class A mode, supposedly. Thanks for any insight!
tuong9906
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
I have owned both the X250.5 and the XA30.5. They both sound excellent. The X250.5 has great dynamic contrasts and bass control. IMO, the XA30.5 is slightly more resolving and relaxed sounding. In my system, I prefer the XA30.5. But I don't require a lot of power, either.

What are the speakers? How big is the room? How loud do you listen? Knowing the answers to these questions would help yield more valid advice.

Bryon
mdowns32's avatar
mdowns32
71 posts
 
I have owned the X250 and currently own the XA60.5's monos and agree the XA.5's are great sounding amps.
tuong9906 OP
30 posts
 
Thanks for your replies, I have the X250 driving a pair of B&W N802, room size is 32ft by 42ft by 20ft height, at their widest, a fairly large room and open to one side to dining room. Driving the speakers w/o the current meter moving (in class A?), it sounds mighty fine but when driven harder, there is a gradual hardening of the sound and loss of air. I am curious as my upgrade path should lead to either the X600.5 or the XA160.5. If they both sound similarly excellent at 50W/ch in class A, I would go with the X600.5 just to safe for those parties that I tend to crank it up.
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