PASS XA160.5 VS x600.5
 

Dear all Pass AA. I had the chance to listen a lot of time the X600.5, and it was always fabulous. I went to the XA100.5 for many reasons, smaller (problem of place), lower price, and it sounds more tube. Now, with the time I would be interested to go a step forward. But the question is : X600.5 or XA160.5? I never had the possibility, the chance to listen the XA160.5 and most of you are using the Xa160.5, and I would like to know if some of you have compared both amplifier?

If it is the case, how you could describe the differences.

Many thanks for your help,

jp

I would also wonder if they sound different in the first 50 watts or so where the X600.5 is also still in Class A (since they are practically the same amp in that power range??)

Hi jp,

I was able to hear the 60.5, 100.5, 160.5, 200.5 and the X600.5 in a demo. I found that the xa was a little smoother with a wonderful silky midrange. The xa series is very musical. Flowing beauty IMO. The xa amps are very tube like but with a faster bass and no tube hassles. It also seems to never run out of juice and the soundstage does not collapse unlike with some tube amps.

The X series on the other hand was quicker/faster, tighter bass and very dynamic. The midrange sounded a little more flat, but still with excellent space around it and a lovely air about it. The X series seemed to have better definition as well. Instruments were clearly more defined, whereas with the XA series, it presents more of a "whole picture" approach. Both amps are well balanced - very well balanced.

I would say it all comes down to your type of speakers and with Sasha's - you might prefer the X600.5's. I will admit, the speed, tight bass control and dynamics of the X600.5 is down right addictive!

It all comes down to whether you feel your speakers are a little dark sounding and need some energy put in them (X600.5 fits the bill here) or whether you feel you need to add some additional tube magic.

You already have the XA100.5's - so what is it about them you don't like?

After listening, I could have easily been happy with either the X600.5 or XA160.5.

I wondered that exact same thing - but they still had noticeable sonic differences.

The X600.5's are Class "A" up to 80 watts into 8 ohms. I feel you get the best of both worlds with the X series,especially if you like a little bass slam now and then....

You already have the XA100.5's - so what is it about them you don't like?


I am very, very glad with my XA100.5, but for a Sasha more power would not be problem.

You could definitely move up to the x600.5's. There is a pair for sale here on AA.

if you had to choose between your 160.5 and the 600.5, which one would you take and why?

Did you decide on anything?

:thumbsup:Not for the moment. I hope that 2013 will give me the possibility to compare them. But I think that my preference would go to the XA as I love the XA100.5