Pass Labs/Gershman AvanteGarde

re: pass xa###.5 line is now out, but unsure if the xa160.5 is available yet. i suggest you call pass labs directly as they can advise you on the sonic differences of the x###.5, XA### and XA###.5 amps. they may also help you decide which is best for your speakers. they are helpful.

i have not heard the new XA###.5, but it is my understanding that the sound coloration is most similar to the XA amps, which is "warmer" than the x###.5, though still in the "neutral" range. however, the XA###.5 doubles down the wpc all class A into 4 ohms from 8 ohms, unlike the fixed class A XA### (no point five) giving tremendous power with purity. also note, the X###.5 amps (not XA) differ in the quatity of pure class A before they go into a/b mode. gundman91 correctly advised that the x350.5 is class A for the 1st 50wpc, but the first class A wpc differs within each model of the series. cheers.

Frank, thanks.....that explains the price difference between a used 350 and 350.5

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

Thanks. I presently use Linar amplification, and am very happy. But, I have been thinking about shaking things up a little, and trying something different. It's tough to remember why you love chocolate so much if you don't occasionaly try vanilla.
Pass is an amp that I think Gershmans would pair well with, (low efficiency and high power.)
A tubed preamp I have yet to try in my system. That might also be an idea.

I was there with restock listening to that system and have to agree that it was a really nice combo. The musicality was definitely there in spades.
Listening to "A case of you" by Diana Krall (Live in Paris"), there was a great sense of ambience from the recording venue, without any sibilance (which I am hoping to correct in my system, with perhaps a Hovland HP-100).
Excellent soundstage in both height and width was noted as well.
An excellent combination in my opinion. I wonder what it would have sounded like with the pass labs pre with it...I have no doubts that the hovland was working some tube magic on the system :)
B

I heard the combination of Avant Garde, Pass 350XA and Hovland HP200 tube preamp at a local dealer's for an hour or so. The combination struck a nice balance between detail, resolution and musicality.

NOT SET like but very nice for sand amp.

i powered my avant gardes with a plinius sa-102 and the pairing was very nice with a tubed preamp. when i switched to a pass x2.5 preamp, the pairing was too sterile for my taste. i also used a pair of aragon palladium ii monoblocks and this pairing was awesome as well.