pass labs xa30 to valve amplifier.

Hi everyone. From some of the responses here, it seems the pass xa30.5 has greater power output than 30 watts. i am still looking at valve amplifiers am aware now that a move to valve amplification may be, at best, a sideways move. Im hoping to hear a few products to judge. Am i right in thinking a 30 watt valve amplifier would not have the same volume output as the xa30.5, even though both are rated at 30 watts ( the pass very conservatativly, it seems). i am considering low powered tiode amps ( i understand they sound better) How are low powered valve amps with regard to slam and attack with clarity?
When a valve blows, can speakers be damaged? Sorry for all the questions, but i rather get some further background into valve amplification. i have picked up some very useful pointers here and thank everyone for their input.

I've used XA30.5 before. It was one of the best SS amp I've used before. I've moved on to tubes, or valves, and now I own ARC VSi60. It's one of the best amp I've heard.

Normally tube amps with the same watts seem to play louder than their SS counterparts because they handle clipping very smoothly. I don't know the percentage of the tube advantage on perceived power, but tube watts always seem more powerful, considerably so, driving a speaker - unless the speaker's impedances are so uneven as to really need SS to operate properly.

Slam and attack with clarity? Tube amps can do that in spades. A lot of that has to do with the relationship between the amp and the speaker:

http://www.atma-sphere.com/Resources/Paradigms_in_Amplifier_Design.php

Tube failure should not be a cause for speaker damage. In fact a transistor failure is far more likely to damage a speaker, which is why most transistor amps have speaker protection circuits, something not really needed in a tube amp.

Hi James, I am in the UK and have been using a TVC control with the Atmasphere S30Mk3 with Avantgarde Duo's for about 4 years. I have had a (Chineese) tube fail - there was a loud pop but the amp and speaker were not damaged. I would now have absolutely no concern over the reliability of the Atmasphere amps. Also the tubes seem to last well - current set approx 30 months.

I have tried various SS and tube in this system and I will not return to SS. The Atmasphere is the best I have tried and I have no inclination to change after 4 years usage. In face the only reason I might change would be if a lower powered version of the Atmasphere amp was produced. With my speakers (107dB/W) I only ever see the meter showing about 1W and it is really loud!

The soundstage and bloom really draws you into the music. The main thing however is that efficient speakers like yours (and mine) seem to sound 'alive' and dynamic with the Atmasphere amp even at low levels. I think this is really important and a good indicator that a system is well matched.

Anyway, I am sure you will have fun choosing which way you want to go.