XA100.5 vs X250.8
 

Hey hive mind,

I have the opportunity to purchase the above amplifiers for nearly the same amount and was wondering if there might be a clear preference for one over the other.

My system now consists of a Pass XP-20 pre and would include either of the two options driving a pair of Aerial model 9 speakers - about 89db efficient, if I'm not mistaken.

Currently, I am leaning towards the 250.8 (newer amp, .8 technology) but the siren song of the XA100.5 monos sings sweetly in my ear. I listen mostly to classical music (symphonic/opera) with a fair amount of rock and jazz. I should also mention that I live in a small NYC apartment so there are obvious advantages from a space standpoint for the X250.8.

Help!

Any advice?

*update*

Spoke to Mark at Reno hi-fi and he recommended I stay with the X-series amps for my current situation. Overall consensus is that the X250.8 is a tough one to beat and that anything appreciably better is significantly more expensive.

Thanks!

agreed, not to mention a little less heat(class AB vs. A)

HOLY MOLY! The X250.8 is unbelievable.

Hard to believe that it sits near the bottom of the Pass line-up, but there you have it! Now to start upgrading cabling from WireWorld Silver Eclipse 6 to something newer... :banana::banana::banana::banana:

personally I consider nothing in the Pass line-up to be 'bottom' ! just varying flavors of greatness !