Luxman M800A vs Pass Labs XA100.5

[bmwmcab]

Hello All,

I currently have a Luxman M800A and contemplating on the Pass Labs XA100.5. The Luxman is currently powering my Vivid Audio B1 speakers. Would this be a sideways move, upgrade or downgrade? Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by bmwmcab

Hello All,

I currently have a Luxman M800A and contemplating on the Pass Labs XA100.5. The Luxman is currently powering my Vivid Audio B1 speakers. Would this be a sideways move, upgrade or downgrade? Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

bmwmcab.......The Luxman M800A is a well respected stereo power amplifier. Rated at 60 w/p/c into 8 ohms, 120 w/p/c into 4 ohms, and 240 w/p/c into 2 ohms, the M800A has proven itself to be able to handle difficult speaker loads without strain, delivering that luscious Class A sound effortlessly.

The Pass Labs XA100.5 is a Class A mono amplifier rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 watts into 4 ohms. Beyond the fact that you will be going from a two channel amplifier to mono blocks, there isn't a substantial power level difference between the amplifiers, typically 2 dB level difference. There is no denying that Nelson Pass has a long history of designing and building some great sounding Class A amplifiers.

What I am curious about is what speakers you plan to use and what preamplifier you are using. I am also curious what you think you will gain with this amplifier change. I would think the Pass Labs XA160.5 would be a better jump in power than the XA100.5 amps.

[bmwmcab]

Dan,

Thanks for the reply. I have a pair of Vivid Audio B1 speakers. What i want to know is what is the difference in sonic signature between the two amps.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by bmwmcab

Dan,

Thanks for the reply. I have a pair of Vivid Audio B1 speakers. What i want to know is what is the difference in sonic signature between the two amps.

bmwmcab.......I think this may require you to audition the Pass XA100.5. Only your ears will be able to truly answer that questions. Anything else will just be someone's opinion.

[cma29]

Originally Posted by jdandy

bmwmcab.......I think this may require you to audition the Pass XA100.5. Only your ears will be able to truly answer that questions. Anything else will just be someone's opinion.

bmwmcab - Reno Hi-Fi will let you try the XA100.5s at home with a 10-day trial. Get in contact with Mark. He'll set you up. I've dealt with him and I highly recommend him.

[4RE]

Think it's a sideway move. Have owned quite some Pass Class A model amps and also listened to the big Class A Pass, but the Luxman as a combo has the Music to my ears.
The 60 watt Class A may seem 'only', but this amp has a big powersupply. total control in a velvet glove. 5 star music rating

[bmwmcab]

4RE,

What speakers are you running with the Luxman? Which pass labs amp did you own before?

[4RE]

Owned Pass Aleph 3, 5, O stereo, O mono, 30.5, listened to 60.5 at home.
Listened on more then one occasion to 100.5, 160.5 but not at home.

Those ALEPHS were HOT..

[bmwmcab]

Originally Posted by 4RE

Magico V2.
Owned Pass Aleph 3, 5, O stereo, O mono, 30.5, listened to 60.5 at home.
Listened on more then one occasion to 100.5, 160.5 but not at home.
Liked some Pass but Love the Luxman!


Those ALEPHS were HOT..

Nice speakers! The M800A is hot but not that hot. I've owned the X350.5 but never the XA.5 series.

[rbbert]

Remember that that the Pass XA.5 amps all have 6 dB of Class A/B headroom above their nominal power rating, thus the XA100.5 will put 400W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms.