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#1
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Pass XA160.5's or XA200.5's ??? ...
I predict the Pass Labs part of the forum will be seeing a lot of action in the coming weeks/months. I loved my XA100.5's but a fellow forum member will be enjoying them shortly. I would love the new Xs-150's but do not see that happening in the near future. C'mon power ball
This brings me to my question, has anyone directly compared the XA160.5's against the XA200.5's under similar conditions? Any info would be appreciated. |
#2
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Quote:
Best Bob
__________________
Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. (on Order) Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. |
#3
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Roger that good buddy.
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#4
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If I'm not mistaken, Mike (mbovaird) has. I'm sure he'll comment.
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Mike |
#5
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I heard the 30, 60, 100, 160, 200. To my ears, the 160.5's (which I bought and received today) were the most balanced and the most linear. The 60.5's were a very close second. I wanted to like the 200.5's and they were excellent, but my ears liked the 160.5's the best.
Full report to follow... |
#6
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Thanks Mike. I appreciate the advice.
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#7
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As I asked on another post. What is the difference between the xa100.5 and the xa160.5?
Nice to read your answer |
#8
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I heard both. The xa100.5's were a little sluggish in the bass to my ears. It wasn't quite as fast and tight. The xa160.5's have a nice balanced bass. Tight and fast. Keep in mind, that many folks out there love the 100.5's (as I'm sure you do). Both are excellent amps....but to my ears, the 160.5's were perfectly balanced from top to bottom.
To me, the 160.5's and 60.5's had a similar sonic signature. Same for the 100.5's and 200.5's. Trust me, I wanted to like the 200.5's better - thinking the extra power would be better, but I didn't. The key here, is that all four (and even the 30.5) are OUTSTANDING amps. We're getting pretty nit picky here. |
#9
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I think the XA160.5 are a much better value than the XA200.5 class A bias wise.
XA160.5 $22K/pair XA200.5 $34k/pair https://passlabs.com/articles/leaving-class-a |
#10
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