I have been considering going in this direction w a X260.8 vs a mc462. I love the ARC Ref 6 pre-amp w the pass. Great combo.

mmhhhh,

i had Pass x250.5, xa100.5, va100.8 with tube praampli /REF5, Octave hp700,...) but Pass work great with Pass pre.

Mcintosh MC601's or Pass Labs X260.8 with Mcintosh C500 pre amp for Wilson Audio Sasha's 1?? All cables are Transparent Audio.
Any comments will be appreciate it.

The Sophia 2 is noted for its ability to perform so well with lower power amps. Something that was lost with the Sophia 3.

Waiting delivery of my INT-25, rated at 25/50wpc (though testing shows it easily doubles that) and will be upgrading my speakers once it has arrived. The Sophia 2 is on my radar for same.

I’ve the Pass 260.8s. I use to own a Pass XP-27. I now own the EMM Pre. While they sound great with both Pre amps, I enjoy the EMM more. But as with any component this is system specific.

To make sure I’m not missing anything, I’m going to audition some EMM monos later this month, but the Pass may be here to stay. They are tube-like. They produce some of the most wonderful sound that I’ve ever heard. Mellow, liquid and very pleasing. A great engaging sound stage! I wish the XAs didn’t run so hot or I’d own those.

But as with every other amp, they may sound differently in your specific system. I suggest trying them in your home first. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Macs are good too - I heard them with various Martin Logan’s years ago This said I don’t have much experience with them. My father owned earlier tube Macs, and they were excellent. But IMO the sound of Mac has changed some over time …

Let us know what you finally select and how they sound …

I started with a Mc 2700 pre to a 257 amp. Even tube rolling didn’t have the sound I was looking for

Today my 2ch is a Pass XP-32, XP-27 phono to a 350.5. Feeding Sopra 3’s. I find the 32 to have a sound that sits between tubes and super detailed solid state while still taming the beryllium tweeters

I’m currently dialing the whole system in with cabling (I do believe modern metallurgy can make a subtle difference).

I destroyed my budget initially so it’s taking a bit longer than anticipated. Lol