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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
koestner
683 posts
 
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.
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
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.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I have a small room (15'X16'X7.3') and don't listen very loudly. However, my speakers are 86dB with a 4ohm load and I just played the Chesky Drum Track LP at 95dB and my needles were moving all over the place, not pegged, but they moved about 3/4" every time the kick drum was struck. So that is with 320 Class A watts into 4 ohms, probably more peak power in Class A and then there is Class AB. I agree you probably won't clip them. I don't know the specs of your speakers, but you do have a very large room. With these Class A amps, I have found that one should buy the largest amp he can afford.

Is there any chance you can audition them before you buy?
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
However, my speakers are 86dB with a 4ohm load and I just played the Chesky Drum Track LP at 95dB and my needles were moving all over the place, not pegged, but they moved about 3/4" every time the kick drum was struck.

My speaker sensitivity is 92dB, so the 100.5's play way loud enough and the bias meters barely budge from their starting position.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
had the same "problem" as peterayer, which i covered in my review in positive feedback. best solution: buy the biggest XA you can afford...and maybe you cannot. they're fabulous amps. (id own them if the heat of the larger amps weren't prohibitive in my small room in texas)
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