2. amps-preamps
  3. 1314673591

MSB M202 compared to Pass XA.5

I own Pass XA160.5 amps and was recently told that the MSB mono blocks have more power, are Class A and sound more neutral than the Pass amps. Has anyone heard MSB amps? Can anyone describe how they sound and compare to other large Class A amps? Their casework reminds me of the older Pass Aleph amps with heatsinks on all sides.
peterayer
peterayer OP
1,382 posts
 
Hi Onemug,

No, I do not. I find the XA.5 to be extremely neutral, detailed, and accurate and not to be warm or colored. I think they are incredible and love the way they sound with my speakers in my room. The problem is that I have not tried amps that are supposedly "more neutral" like Solution and Spectral or now these MSBs. I have been told by dealers and one manufacturer, that there are other SS amps that are better at resolution, neutrality and transparency.

It's just not easy to make these comparisons in one's own system and I'm just curious about these MSBs as I had not heard of them let alone actually listened to them.
maxwellssilverhammer's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
maxwellssilverhammer
23 posts
 
A chap in London Changed from Pass Labs XA30.5 to MSB M202's. His was using them to drive JBL Everest
rtn1
535 posts
 
I have not heard another solid state amp that has the depth, tonality, linearity, and effortlessness of the XA.5. Many other amps sound flat, thin, brittle, restrained.

If an amp highlights an instrument in an unnatural manner, some people might mistake that for detail and accuracy.

Personally, I find the term neutrality to be a buzz word that has no meaning. Reviewers and manufacturers love to use it. When I sit in front of my system, the word neutral never comes to mind.
mitch2
4,002 posts
 
When I sit in front of my system, the word neutral never comes to mind.
Rtn1, I gotta agree with that. I would catagorize my Clayton M300's (fully class A at 300 wpc) as "neutral" compared to the Lamm M1.1's I have owned, but certainly not "clinically neutral" as they also convey the smoothness, body and touch of warmth that Class A amps are known for when compared with many A/B SS amps. They were good before, but with the latest power supply upgrade these M300's are all I need. Out of curiosity I would like to hear the MSB monos since a dealer in my state told me they were outstanding.
jdoris
972 posts
 
That's funny, Rtn1.

"You have to go see that movie, it's neutral."

"It's the best restaurant in town, completely neutral."

"I think I'm in love, she's so neutral."

FWIW, I'd characterize my Pass INT-30A as warmish, compared to the A/AB it replaced. I think of that as a very good thing.

John
More to discover