PASS LABS INT-150 or X-250 with X-1

My comments were meant to touch on the subject of how different the X .5 series is from the non .5 series. The comments I made for the X350.5 vs. X350 should also apply to X250.5 vs. X250.

There are just as many people that will say that X250.5 is better than X350.5 as the other way around. Since I own the X350.5, I cannot be objective. ;-) I don't know anyone local with an X250.5. Otherwise, I would love to do a side-by-side shootout.
FrankC

I have heard both the X350 and the X350.5 and I do not think they sound as differently as everyone has been saying. I have auditioned both courtesy of members of my audio club. I do hear more detail in the X350.5 but the signature is still the same. I think that what I heard is borne out in the changes that Nelson has made in the X.5 series. He replaced the front end Fets with Jfets that have much lower noise. I think thats where the extra detail comes from. The extra output devices will give a little more power but I think it does not change the amplifier's signature. Pass always biased his amplifiers pretty hard to get the output fets to operate a little more linear. Does the X350.5 sound better? Absolutely! The details are more apparent in the X.5 amps but the amps have the same sonic signature and do sound very similar with the X.5 amps revealing some hidden details.

I own a Bel Canto DAC3, and have owned an X1 pre which I have upgraded to a Pass XP10. I'd characterize the X1 on the cooler side of neutral. If you are looking for more warmth and dynamics, I'd urge you to go to an XP10. It will also add a bit of bass warmth too, but still keep the depths you have been getting. I have run the DAC3 direct as a pre, and didn't get the dynamics and soundstage I wanted, but am getting it in droves with the XP10. There have been a few offered here around 3K lately, which is a bargain for the quality. Good luck!

liguy:
thanks for explanation,
swanny:
added XP10 still out of my budget but,i think i'm better try INT-150 since they have XP10 as preamp:O

Hi Honeyooi,

I have an INT-150. It will drive your speakers just fine. The INT-30A will as well unless you really push the dbs. The INT-150 has been described as a 150.5 plus the XP10, but this is really not the case. There is no real "preamp" section in the 150, just a buffer for volume control. The INT-150 is not warm sounding, just low distortion. I would describe it as clear and full range. Really nice. You should listen to one and let us know what you think.