XA-100.5 or 160.5 monos

[jfrago]

Has anybody heard the new pass XA's-100.5's or 160.5's can you describe how the sound and compare to either the XA's 100's or 160 and either 600.5's or the 350.5.

Thanks

[Nelson Pass]

They tend to sound like a cross between the earlier XA and X.5
amplifiers.

Comparing the XA.5 to the XA's, our subjective listeners
consistently report:

The soundstage is larger and deeper.

Placement is more accurate.

The bottom end is tighter.

The midrange has greater definition.

There is strong similarity in the upper mid and top end.


Our measurements show:

Greater power, current, speed, and damping.

Lower distortion and noise.


Comparing the XA.5 to the X.5's, we see simiilar results
subjectively, except that the mid and top is smoother.

Objectively, the distortion is lower.

[jfrago]

Nelson,

Thanks for your quick response.

How are the xa.5 when it comes to PRAT. I found the xa's lacking in that and I found the x.5 decent w/Prat but lacking a little in resolution.

My favorite amps of yours are the SA/12E's. Melt inyour mouth music but transparency or it might of been the halographic presentation of instruments/voices seems lacking. Either way they are still great amps.

The new xa.5's sounds like you've moved closer that quality.

It all sounds very exciting.

Will there be a stereo version in the XA.5 series with more then th 60 watts, maybe?

Thanks.

jfr

[Nelson Pass]

Originally posted by jfrago
Will there be a stereo version in the XA.5 series with more then th 60 watts, maybe?

No plans at this time.

[Manu]

Was means .5?
manuel

[nico_g]

Hello,
on the Pass Labs site, the biggest XA.5 amp that seems to be available is the XA100.5. The XA160.5 page doesn't exist.
So, does it mean that the XA160.5 will be available later ?
Last question :
I only use efficient speakers like big Tannoy (GRF...) or JBL (4430...) or TAD (TSM1 : 2401).
In this case, what would be the best match : XA100.5 ou XA160.5 ?
In general : what are the sonic differences between those amps (except power) ?
Thanks for help.

[Nelson Pass]

Originally posted by nico_g
So, does it mean that the XA160.5 will be available later ?
Last question :
I only use efficient speakers like big Tannoy (GRF...) or JBL (4430...) or TAD (TSM1 : 2401).
In this case, what would be the best match : XA100.5 ou XA160.5 ?
In general : what are the sonic differences between those amps (except power) ?

The XA160.5 and X200.5 will be drifting out soon, as I have
a prototype pasing through production at this time.

In general with this circuit, the higher the bias the better the
measured and subjective performance. Besides the raw output
power, it is that factor which largely distinguishes the X.5 amps
from the XA.5, and the ranking within those two categories.

[nico_g]

Hello Mr Pass,

thanks for your answer.
If i understand well, the XA160.5 would be really better for me, even if my speakers are efficient and easy to drive ?

[Nelson Pass]

Originally posted by nico_g
Hello Mr Pass,

thanks for your answer.
If i understand well, the XA160.5 would be really better for me, even if my speakers are efficient and easy to drive ?

Considering the high cost, you have to decide whether the
incremental improvement is worth that much more money.

Personally, I get along with less power.

[nico_g]

Thans again for your help.
I think too that the XA100.5 is enough for my system.
The price difference between the XA160.5 and XA100.5 will be the same as between the XA160 ans XA100 ?