Pass XA160.5 update

[mbovaird]

Well, I have over 250 hours on the Pass XA160.5's now and they are sounding phenomenal. The improvements have been subtle, but important. They are fast, provide a tight bass, bass notes go lower than with other amps I've had in my system, high notes are crisp without any brightness. Midrange is as good as any tube amp I've heard. They really are fantastic amps, perfectly balanced in my opinion from top to bottom, with ample power to spare - proving the importance of current.

Paired with my ARC Preamp, the combination of these two beauties is outstanding. I had heard that the Pass amp/ARC Preamp combination was very very good. I agree!

Over the 250 hours. I found the bass getting more predominant, going lower and most importantly, the high notes becoming beautifully crisp without any brightness whatsoever.

These amps DO get hot and you must have proper ventilation if you're considering them.

I've toyed around with running my amps through the power conditioner and then direct into the 20 amp circuits. I'm undecided at this point as to which way to go. Both have their pros and cons. I've found with the PC, the high notes are incredibly clean, but perhaps a bit restricted. Without the PC, the high notes are full and airy, but perhaps with a shade more graininess. The differences are very very subtle however and I've found that as I've put more and more hours on the amps, the differences are becoming almost unnoticeable.

Mike.

[joeinid]

Pass makes great gear. Glad you love your amps Mike!

[mdkim]

Glad things are working out for you Mike.

I can confirm your experience with the XS160.5s. The bass has come on very strong after a few weeks of constant running but without any excess decay and/or unwanted bloat. Texture is wonderful. Midrange is just plain sweet.

My cables are finalized and broken in and I'm just waiting on a few isolation devices and new stands to post my review but, these amps are RIDICULOUSLY good.

Happy New Year!!

[jdandy]

Mike.......I am curious, do you run your air conditioning continuously while listening? How quiet is your air conditioning system in the sound room?

[Amado]

Hi Mike,

Try use Z-Trap(from MIT CABLES) for your amps power cable. The grain disappears and the soundstage improvement
is worth the investment.

Nelson

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......I am curious, do you run your air conditioning continuously while listening? How quiet is your air conditioning system in the sound room?

Not continuously, but it does come on for a few minutes and then off whether I'm running the 2301's or Pass. I can't hear a thing since the AC unit for my dedicated room is outside and on the other side of the house. All I feel is the puff of cool air. My room has its own separate AC outside and thermostat. I would guess it comes on a couple of more times an hour (running for about 2 minutes each time) with the Pass vs the 2301's and never (or rarely) with the Classe.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by Amado

Hi Mike,

Try use Z-Trap(from MIT CABLES) for your amps power cable. The grain disappears and the soundstage improvement
is worth the investment.

Nelson

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

Thanks. Will give it a try.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by mdkim

Glad things are working out for you Mike.

I can confirm your experience with the XS160.5s. The bass has come on very strong after a few weeks of constant running but without any excess decay and/or unwanted bloat. Texture is wonderful. Midrange is just plain sweet.

My cables are finalized and broken in and I'm just waiting on a few isolation devices and new stands to post my review but, these amps are RIDICULOUSLY good.

Happy New Year!!

That's great to hear Mike! I assume you meant XA 160.5's. Was that slip up subliminal?

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

That's great to hear Mike! I assume you meant XA 160.5's. Was that slip up subliminal?

[mdkim]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

That's great to hear Mike! I assume you meant XA 160.5's. Was that slip up subliminal?

Whoa didn't even catch that...damn iPad . If only it were as simple as a missed keystroke...