Pass Labs X5 for a multi-channel Thiel speakers setting?

[JulienG]

Hello Mr Pass and everybody.

I own a Thiel system (2.4 and PCS, 4 ohm 87db), and in order to listen to the hundreds of multi-channel SACDs I have, I just bought the Bel Canto Pre6 Gen2, which is one of the rare and maybe the best pure analogue (no AV) multi-channel preamplifiers there is out there.

I wanted to use different power amps, but since my room is small one box would be better.
I can have a good deal on the Pass X5 or the Simaudio Titan, and would incline more for the Pass. What would be the sonic differences?

Also I understand that the Pass X5 was designed to sound better with XLR for all channels than single-ended, am I correct?

Also, the 4 ohm 87db Thiels are not easy to drive and I was wondering if the X5's 125/ch in 8 ohm would be enough.

[Nelson Pass]

I haven't heard the Simaudio product, and so I have no basis
for comparison.

The X5 would be expected to behave itself into 5 channels of
4 ohms, but a lot would depend on how hard you want to push
it. At some very loud level it will tend to shut off.

As always, your best bet is to try the amplifiers out and see
before you purchase.

[JulienG]

Thank you mr Pass. And also what about the XLR vs RCA? Are Pass Labs products designed to sound better with XLR?

Thanks a lot to everyone!

[hifimaker]

Originally posted by JulienG
Thank you mr Pass. And also what about the XLR vs RCA? Are Pass Labs products designed to sound better with XLR?

Thanks a lot to everyone!

Nelson has answered this in other threads. He's says that balanced xlr is superior to RCA for noise reduction, plus you need balanced inputs to fully take advantage of the X design.

-David

[Nelson Pass]

At the same time, there is only a modest difference between
balanced and SE inputs. I would say it's not enough to make
you run out and buy a balanced preamp unless you have noise
issues in your system.

[JulienG]

Ok, thank you very much.