Pass XA.5 and Maqico Q Synergy

[FlexibleAudio]

I recently purchased a pair of Pass Labs XA200.5's and am trying to decide between the S5 and Q5 as the next step in my system plans (described below).

My primary question is will 400 watts of Class A be able to get the most of the Q5's? Will the Pass Amp's be "exposed" by the resolution of the Q5 in a negative way as is discussed so much in various threads?

I am particularly interested in whether the XA200.5 will: 1) have the backbone to handle the difficult impedance curve and phase angles of the Q5's, 2) add a little needed (to my ear) warmth to the Q sound and, 3) have the speed and control to show off the Q5's remarkable capabilities.

I suspect I could worry about these issues a little less with the S5 given their easier load and bass voicing. I know other amps may excel in certain of these areas, but I have chosen the XA200.5's as my anchor (against the recommended protocols of some) because I just cant find anything I like as much as Nelson's Class A.


As background:

I listen to most genre's from classical to rock and have a particular preference for accurate, lifelike orchestral and acoustic and exceptional low level detail.

To give insight to my preferences, my second place Amp was the Dag Momentum. I just can't find a substitute for the magic of pure Class A (also have 24 foot ceiling peak and air return at peak to basement to remove heat).

Room 20' by 30' with 24' foot center vault ceiling.

Preamp - CJ GAT or Pass XP-30 (to be determined)

DAC - MSB Analog or DACIV Signature (to be determined)

Front End - MSB UMT Plus (digital only)

SC and IC's - need help


Unfortunately my dealer only has the XA160.5 and Q3 in house. I will need to travel to listen to the options but want to get some perspective from experienced ears first.


Thank you for your perspective,

[jdandy]

Paul.......I think that listening to the XA160.5 driving the Q5's with music you enjoy and are intimately familiar with will give you a clearer vision of what the XA200.5 can muster on the same speakers. We can all offer opinions until the cows come home, but hearing is believing. The same difficult impedance curve and phase angles will be present and the XA160.5 is not that far off of the output power capabilities of the XA200.5. I think an extended audition of that setup will fill in a lot of blanks for you.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Paul.......I think that listening to the XA160.5 driving the Q5's with music you enjoy and are intimately familiar with will give you a clearer vision of what the XA200.5 can muster on the same speakers. We can all offer opinions until the cows come home, but hearing is believing. The same difficult impedance curve and phase angles will be present and the XA160.5 is not that far off of the output power capabilities of the XA200.5. I think an extended audition of that setup will fill in a lot of blanks for you.

+1

[FlexibleAudio]

Jdandy and Planar thanks much for your thoughts.

My local dealer only has 160.5 and Q3 which I think is astounding except for what I felt was a slightly limited bass response of the Q3, hence my Q5/S5 dilemma. I prefer the Q to the S but don't think I can live without more low-end extension. Therefore I was hoping to find someone with perspective regarding the large pass amps and the Q5.

I will be taking a trip to eventually hear the combination.

Thanks again.

[jdandy]

Paul.......Sorry about that. I missed that the dealer only has the Q3 available for audition. Perhaps a phone call to Pass Labs to discuss your concerns may help.

[cma29]

Paul - I look forward to following your journey as you put together a system around the awesome XA200.5 monoblocks. You have some tough choices ahead of you, but it's a nice "problem" to have.

XA200.5 Specifications:
Gain (dB) 26
Power Output /ch (8 ohm) 200 W
Power Output /ch (4 ohm) 400 W
Input Impedance (kohms) 30 / 20
Leaves Class A @ pk Watts 400
Power Consumption 700 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) 19 in. x 11.2 in. x 27.5 in.
Unit Weight 159 lbs

[FlexibleAudio]

Thanks Carlos. I will be happy to provide input. Speakers are the first step!

[Ritmo]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Paul.......Sorry about that. I missed that the dealer only has the Q3 available for audition. Perhaps a phone call to Pass Labs to discuss your concerns may help.

+1...my understanding is that folks at Pass are very friendly and helpful. I would however not call this week since they will be in Las Vegas launching their new .8 line.

[FlexibleAudio]

Good point Ritmo. I will shoot them an email so they can respond leisurely. I would still greatly appreciate anyone else's perspective.

Thanks,

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Hi Paul,

Congrats on purchasing a world-class amplifier in the XA-200.5 monoblocks. Since you will be building a reference level set-up, I think it is very important to demo as much gear as possible in your own home to hear what matches best. I realize this might be a major PITA but I think it could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. I know Reno Hi Fi for example will give you a 10-day in home demo of their Pass preamps. Many other dealers will also be willing to loan you components to try at home. I realize in the case of very large and heavy speakers, there will most likely be set-up charge involved but ultimately this will help you to avoid any unhappy surprises once you've purchased. I guess the main idea is to take your time, try many different options and to trust your own ears because others' preference may not be your preference.

Best of luck on your audio journey,
Ken