AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Pass Labs

Pass Labs 20 Years and Counting

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-11-2012, 03:05 PM
jpspock jpspock is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brussels
Posts: 220
Default PASS XA160.5 VS x600.5

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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-11-2012, 03:23 PM
rbbert rbbert is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 223
Default

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??)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-11-2012, 03:37 PM
mbovaird mbovaird is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,445
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-11-2012, 03:38 PM
mbovaird mbovaird is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,445
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-11-2012, 04:27 PM
Penthouse-D Penthouse-D is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Santa Monica, Ca.
Posts: 572
Default

The X600.5's are Class "A" up to 80 watts into 8 ohms. I feel you get the best of both worlds with the X series,especially if you like a little bass slam now and then....
__________________
T+A PA3100HV, T+A MP3100HV, Aurender ACS-10, Harbeth 40.2 Annie's TonTrager stands. Furutech NCF everything...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-13-2012, 03:59 PM
jpspock jpspock is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brussels
Posts: 220
Default

You already have the XA100.5's - so what is it about them you don't like?


I am very, very glad with my XA100.5, but for a Sasha more power would not be problem.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-13-2012, 04:09 PM
mbovaird mbovaird is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,445
Default

You could definitely move up to the x600.5's. There is a pair for sale here on AA.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-14-2012, 02:08 AM
jpspock jpspock is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brussels
Posts: 220
Default

if you had to choose between your 160.5 and the 600.5, which one would you take and why?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-31-2012, 04:43 PM
mbovaird mbovaird is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,445
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpspock View Post
if you had to choose between your 160.5 and the 600.5, which one would you take and why?
Did you decide on anything?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-01-2013, 02:20 PM
jpspock jpspock is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brussels
Posts: 220
Default

Not for the moment. I hope that 2013 will give me the possibility to compare them. But I think that my preference would go to the XA as I love the XA100.5
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:52 PM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video