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A review Bound for Sound for Pass Labs fans

I take all reviews with a "grain of salt" perspective. After all, their just someone's hopefully honest and somewhat informed opinion regarding the sonics of that piece in their system. However, I cut Martin G. DeWulf, publisher/reviewer of Bound for Sound, a little more slack then most for at least two reasons. 1) He has no ads so he does not have to "suck up" to any manufacturers for $. 2) He often prints negative reviews, if that's what he hears.

In the most recent Bound for Sound, DeWulf reviews the Pass LabsX-350.5, the first "professional" review that I'm aware of, regarding any of the .5 amps.

He states the following:

1) He thought that in the past that the X-250 was a great piece, but did not care for the performance of the X-350. DeWulf gives great credit to Pass Labs for not getting defensive regarding his past review that was negative towards the X-350 and being more then happy/fearless in sending him the new X-350.5. for review, he believes many other companies would not, if they recieve a negative review from him in the past.

2) He states that even with all the "Buzz" regarding the new digital amps, class D amps, class LMNOP amps, when people come over to hear his system, they all first get caught up in the "eye-candy" regarding the X-350.5, and then respond with, "That thing sounds awesome!"

3) He goes into great details regarding the build quality and new design changes that filtered down from the XA amps into the new .5 series.

4) DeWulf has auditioned many highly regarded Solid State amps such Ayre, Edge, Parasound, PBN Sierra Olympus and does a fine job of comparing the 350.5's sonics to these other reference single chassis or mono-blocks.

5)His final verdict regarding the 350.5's place in the hierarchy of world class solid state amps, "This is the finest solid state power amplifier that I've had in the Big Rig to date-long live the new king.

Well, I'm a big fan of Nelson Pass and the other guys at Pass Labs, I had the 350.5 as my reference (did a review of it here on the GON) only to be replaced by XA-100's, and am glad that this amp finally got the credit it deserves in a well done and through review.
teajay

Showing 4 responses by irish65

irish65
170 posts
 
From my limited experience I thought the X250 sounded better than the X350. When I contacted Pass in Oct. 2004, just before the release of the X350.5, Peter said the X350 was not their best sounding stereo amp. He also mentioned at this time that out of the new .5 series amps the X350.5 was at the top of the heap. He has it in his own setup in his home.
I did purchase the X350.5 after my conversation with Peter Perkins and would agree with what has already been said about this amp. I used it with Thiel CS2.4 and the X600 with Thiel CS 7.2. As an experiment I tried the X350.5 with the big Thiel's and preferred the X350.5 over the X600. The X350.5 gave up a little in the bottom end, and I say a little, over the X600. However, the midrange and top end with the X350.5 was clearly better. The music just flowed and the top end was silky smooth.
Regarding the X600.5 I would like to hear from others who have auditioned this amp.
irish65
170 posts
 
Gandme,
I'm not sure I know what you are saying. What I do know is the conversation I had with Peter concerning the X350.5. He said it was the best sounding amp in the .5 series. At this time the X600.5 was not out.
It was my opinion that the X350.5 was more to my liking than the X600. Nelson may favor the X600 over the X350.5. I do not know I did not talk to him about it.
irish65
170 posts
 
Gandme,
Yes this may be true with the XA and .5 series but not with the X series. I think you might find more people preferred the X250 to the X350. This may also apply with the X600 compared to the X1000.
irish65
170 posts
 
Gandme,
Fair enough. We can both agree that Nelson makes some great amps.
If you get the chance you really need to hear the X350.5 if you havn't already.
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