Not sure exactly which Pass amp Restock and Mantisory heard exactly. Pass currently has two lines the pure class A XA- series (XA160), and the less expensive (in relative terms) X.5 series (i.e. X350.5).
I know that Pass has announced the XA.5 series, but I dont think it's available yet, and I think 160wpc will still be the most powerful in this series. The X.5 series has class A up to the first 50 watts then switches over to A/B.
The X.5 series has a very different sound than the older non ".5" series. I had heard the X350 and X350.5 side by side. The non ".5" amp sounded typical solid state, cold and sterile. I would not use "musical" to describe it. But the X.5 is completely different, it has more of the XA characteristics (musicality). I am personally using the X350.5 to drive a pair of Verity Parsifal Encore.
Just want to point out the difference before someone runs out and pick up a used X350 and think that something must be wrong with our ears.
FrankC
I know that Pass has announced the XA.5 series, but I dont think it's available yet, and I think 160wpc will still be the most powerful in this series. The X.5 series has class A up to the first 50 watts then switches over to A/B.
The X.5 series has a very different sound than the older non ".5" series. I had heard the X350 and X350.5 side by side. The non ".5" amp sounded typical solid state, cold and sterile. I would not use "musical" to describe it. But the X.5 is completely different, it has more of the XA characteristics (musicality). I am personally using the X350.5 to drive a pair of Verity Parsifal Encore.
Just want to point out the difference before someone runs out and pick up a used X350 and think that something must be wrong with our ears.
FrankC