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Difference between Pass Labs XA160.5 an X600.5?

Hi all,

I currently own a set of Parasound JC-1's to drive Dynaudio Confidence C4's. Although they match very well, I currently look for ´the next step`. Based on several reviews I read, Pass Labs seems to be a very good substitute for the JC-1's. I doubt however if the XA160.5 are powerfull enough. Why? Today I integrated my Velodyne DD-18 with the C4's and I heard the soundstage changing when I but my Velodyne DD-18 subwoofer on/off (at a crossover frequency of 50Hz). Apparently my 800W RMS JC-1 (into 4 Ohm) can't drive the C4's full range?!? The price difference between the XA160.5/XA200.5 and X600.5/X1000.5 is however significantly (i.e the price of a XP-20 I intend to buy). X600.5 is class A upto 80W (so seems are safer alternative than the XA160.5).

I will try to listen to both amplifiers on short time notice here in the Netherlands, but has anyone already heard both these amps and if so, what are the difference?

Thanks!
jean_sibelius

Showing 2 responses by rtn1

rtn1
535 posts
 
I've owned the X600.5 and now have the XA200.5.

As good as the X.5 series is, it sounds hard and 2D compared to the XA.5 series. For large orchestral pieces, the suitably powered XA.5 series wins easily because the climaxes remain sweet and undistorted. The X.5 gets harsh and glassy at peaks.

There were some changes from the XA to the XA.5, which I wonder may have resolved some of the issues with peak distortion and the sense of unlimited power reserve.

I've posted my thoughts and descriptors of the XA200.5 on the forum if you do a search. The descriptors remain true even today. In my view, the XA200.5 is a masterpiece, with the only downside of heat. My amps are the muscles in a synergistic combination with key components of preamp and cabling. As good as the amps are in isolation, the BAT, Jade, Tripoint, NVS Sound combination has taken things to another level.
rtn1
535 posts
 
Gary,

I found that the X.5 really benefited from an extended warm-up time. It took at least 8 hours for it to become musical and listenable for me. At 12+ hours, it was even better. During the winter, I would leave them on 24/7, and they sounded good. During the summer, forget it. However, the XA.5 sounds better cold than the X.5 after 24 hours.

For the XA.5, I think there is some small improvement after 2-3 hours. There may be additional subtle improvements after 8-12 hours, but these are quite minor. If someone was coming over for a listen, I'd leave the amps on overnight to get the best sound, to be sure.

For bass control, I think this can be optimized by component and cable matching. But the X.5 would probably have more "fast" bass.
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