Pass X vs XA amps sound quality in class A range

Much thanks again for all comments, I think you have answered my questions, that they sound different even at low power levels.

I owned the XA160 and switched to the XA100.5 and now the XA160.5. I have a difficult speaker load in a small room and don't usually listen beyond peaks of about 95dB with mostly classical music. There is no comparison between the XA and the XA.5. The latter is much better at all volume levels particularly in the handling of and control over lower frequencies. Sense of ease/flow, dynamics and air/space are also better. The XA.5 current delivery and doubling of power as impedance halves are big improvements over the XA model.

These are glorious amps in my system, but they are quite expensive. You should try to arrange a demo in your very large room to see how they sound with your speakers in your system to be sure before you buy.

You could also try asking Kent at Pass Labs or contacting Mark at Reno HIFI if you don't have a local Pass dealer. I have found both gentlemen to be very helpful answering questions.

You can read a more detailed review of my impressions of Pass Class A amps on my Audiogon review of the XA100.5. I am admittedly quite biased as I have owned many of these amps.

Thanks Pete, you may have saved me some troubles to just go straight to XA.5 class! Although my room is huge, my listening habit is low to mid in volume, to protect my hearing. In fact, with the lowly X250, I rarely see the bias needle move at all ever. But when I throw a party, it's different!

Keep in mind that when you throw your parties you won't be critically listening so these amps will play way over their class A ratings with no risk of clipping as they convert to class AB. You wiill probably be safe with a lower powered one.

I love my XA 100.5's. Replaced a long in the tooth Mark Levinson 27.5. They also warm up quick, say within 1/2 hour for good sound. I push Wilson W/P 8's with them. never once have they left class A bias. Great sounding SS power amps.