PASS XA160.5 VS x600.5

[jpspock]

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

[rbbert]

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??)

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by rbbert

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??)

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

[mbovaird]

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.

[petrushka1975]

I run my Sashas on a pair of X600.5s and I used to have the XA160s (the predecessor model of the XA160.5) and the XA30.5, for different speakers back then. I also had a chance to listen to the XA100.5s driving the Sashas at one point.

The characterization below is very accurate and is consistent with my own experience. The X.5 and the XA.5 sound similar but with slightly different strengths. The XA.5 has a darker, rounder and more liquidity midrange where as the X.5 sounds more dynamic, transparent and powerful. Personally I prefer the X.5 as I love how they sound for large orchestral works but would be just as happy if I had the XA.5.

Originally Posted by mbovaird

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.

[raidho]

Hi,

I use a X250.5 and I search another ampli from my Raidho C 3.1:

a pair Xa100.5 or a X350.5? (preampli is a Xp20)

Thx raidho

[raidho]

Hi,

I use a X250.5 but a couple of xa160.5 or xa100.5 to drive my Raidho 3.1 will be better..
maybe a x350.5 is too a good solution...

I dont need so much more watt but "electricity/Ampere"....

please a opinion!
thx raidho

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by raidho

Hi,

I use a X250.5 but a couple of xa160.5 or xa100.5 to drive my Raidho 3.1 will be better..
maybe a x350.5 is too a good solution...

I dont need so much more watt but "electricity/Ampere"....

please a opinion!
thx raidho

At 90db efficiency, I would recommend the XA100.5. It has a much more "tube like" mid range, while still delivering excellent dynamics and sweet highs. Bass is not as tight as the x350.5, but its still quite good.

Mike

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by raidho

Hi,

I use a X250.5 but a couple of xa160.5 or xa100.5 to drive my Raidho 3.1 will be better..
maybe a x350.5 is too a good solution...

I dont need so much more watt but "electricity/Ampere"....

please a opinion!
thx raidho

I just saw your follow up post. If you can go for the XA160.5, definitely do it. It has a little more power, but it sounds much bigger (wider soundstage, deeper). But most importantly, the bass on the XA160.5 is tighter and faster than the XA100.5. The XA160.5 is also more balanced from top to bottom IMO than the XA100.5.

That being said, they are very close in sonic characteristics. But definitely go for the XA160.5.

Mike

[raidho]

thank you Mike,

well the x350.5 from what I have read & opinion is not so good in sound performance like the 250.5! You have the same opinion?

combo xp20 & x250.5 with Raidho same track = 60dB, I had a B&W802d2 and with the same combo with 50dB I had the same sound/performance!

need a Raidho so much amplere = i a replace from the x250.5 with the monos Pass class A the right solution?

a Xa160.5 play 160watt all in pure class A? the xa100.5 will be not enough compared with the 250.5 for the power (with a Raidho or others speakers - B&W, Tidal, WilsonAudio, Focal....)???

A ampli from Mcintosh is the only one that I dont considere a "good investiment"!!! Mcintosh is not a good gear for me imho!!! = waste $$$ nothing more....

KR raidho