Ayre vs Pass Setup?

The living room, main listening area, is approx 20 x 13 x 9. It adjoins to a smaller kitchen and dining room.

I run totem model one wth pass labs aleph 3 (30wpc into 8 ohms and 60 wpc into 4 ohms)in a dedicated smallish music room(11 ft wide x 17 ft lg and 8 ft ceiling). It drives the totem one loud enough for me. I believe that the XA30.5 will drive the totems forest in a small room. The forest is easier to drive than the model one. if you have a big room I would go more power.

Gundam91,
I've never heard the aleph Os described as "being lifeless". I would expect the aleph amp to be more engaging than the X350.5. There may be something wrong with your aleph O. I had audition a pass labs X150 and was impressed with the power and bass but, it did not sound as sweet and engaging as the aleph 3.

I understand that you will not be playing loud, but I still don't think the XA30 will be able to properly drive the Totems.

I am using the X350.5 driving a pair of Verity Parsifal Encores. I believe they are rated at 89dB. I was curious whether my Pass Aleph Os would be able to drive them. I checked with Verity, and they told me it would not be a problem. But when I tried, the speakers sounded lifeless. And the Verities were know to sound good at low volume. So back went the X350.5. I had originally thought the X350.5 may be an overkill.....

Anyways, I am sending in my Aleph Os to get it checked out just to make sure that the amp is operating correctly.

FrankC