Pass Labs to come out with .8 series amps in 1Q 2014
 

Well I spoke to Pass Labs and it's official, they are coming out with the X.8 and XA.8 series of amplifiers in the first quarter of 2014. These upgraded amplifiers will incorporate approximately 50% of the XS series topology, parts and sonic character. Compared to the .5 series, expect better spectral balance and dynamic contrast, especially at lower volume levels. These amplifiers will not be replacing the .5 series but will be offered in addition. There will be all the same models as in the X.5 and XA.5 series. They will continue to offer the .5 series as long as customers are still buying them. The cost of the .8 series is expected to be 17% to 20% higher than the .5 series.

Ken

Thanks for the info Ken!

Thanks for the info, Ken. Looking forward to the release of the new amps.

However, the Pass Labs naming conventions are getting a bit convoluted :)

Hi Carlos,

Would you consider the upgrade to the XA-100.8 monoblocks? I know Reno Hifi will give you full value on the trade in from six months of purchase. Not sure where you purchased yours though.

Ken

Maybe. Yes, I got my amps from Mark at Reno Hi-Fi (great guy) so I might do that. Good idea.

I bought my X600.5 in July. Depending on the trade-in I might go with the .8 model. It would be nice to get in at the beginning of a model versus the end. Of course the new line will have growing pains so it might be wise to wait a year or two so they can get the bugs straightened out.

Hi Bud,

Yes, it's a tough decision. There are inevitable bugs when a large new line of amps like this comes out. I don't doubt that the .8 series will ultimately provide a material improvement over the .5 series but there's always the possibility of some issues in the interim. The fact that Pass Labs is not discontinuing the .5 series when the .8 series is introduced indicates that Pass is utilizing some risk management to guard against the possibility that customers might not prefer the new sound. In the case of the XA-100.5s, I always felt they caught some lightning in a bottle with its design, as it is the most tube-like sounding amp in the XA line. You have to wonder if they will again be able to capture that magic with the XA-100.8s. Only time will tell.

Ken

Hi Carlos,

From what I heard from Pass, the .8 line of amps could be introduced as soon as January. If you decide to go for it, I would take full advantage of their demo program and do a direct comparison between the XA-100.5s and XA-100.8s before making the purchase and sending the XA-100.5s back to Reno. This way you can ensure that you prefer the new sound and there are no bugs with the new design.

Best,
Ken

You are right. Mark bends over backwards to make everything easy and low risk. I'll keep my eye on this. I just got my XA100.5 amps a few weeks ago so they are basically new.

Carlos,

It really paid off for you to buy from Mark at Reno Hifi. Now you have the option to upgrade to the new XA.8 line, pretty sweet! The next few months should be very interesting around here!

Best,
Ken