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PASS LABS INT-150 or X-250 with X-1

well,what can i said,need an info from ur experience with this model.
I'm come from simple background system(receiver,integrated),and this the first time i use separate.
amp is PASS X-250 hook up directly to BEL CANTO DAC3.
what i'm looking right now is touch of warm sound!
the set up now have detail,sound stage,clear and bass punch out from my speaker(DYN C-1)but .....less musical(i guess).
so,if i added X-1 pre to my set up is that can fill the gap of my system?
or simply sell X-250 & just bought INT-150(it will make her happy cause the amp sit in the floor now.)
but my concern about this INT is the watt,from 250w(X-250) down to 150w(INT-150),am i gonna lose the bass i like now?
thanks.
jim
honeyooi
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
Sonically speaking I the INT 150 is better than an original X250 and X1. I have heard the INT 150 up against the X250 and X1. Granted my comparison was done on a pair of Wilson Sophia 2s. If I had a choice I would go with INT 150. Lots of power is not everything but great sound is.
honeyooi OP
124 posts
 
danielk:
my speaker is dynaudio C-1.
room is medium size apt.
soundhouse:
i been reading a lot and know that PASS series X.5 is way better amp than X series.
as i try several amp,the more the watt the better the sound.
zeebee
1 posts
 
Hi,

I'm using an X250 and X2.5 to drive a Maggie 1.7 but recently auditioned an X350.5 driving a Sophia 3 which I ended up buying (owner upgrading to the Monos XA series) as I'm planning to upgrade to a 3.7. I think you should try a side-by-side comparison as IMHO you wouldn't gain much with the INT150. The X250 is good in my book and I think your Dynaudio will benefit from the extra power. FYI, prior to the Pass, I've had a Pathos Logos (integrated hybrid @110W per channel) and a Densen Pre-Power which weren't up to speed when driving the Maggies. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the amp. Cheers.
gundam91
506 posts
 
Zeebee,

I don't think you realized that the X .5 sounds a bit differently than the older X series. I also have the X350.5. Prior to purchasing mine, I had heard one in a friend's system in a side-by-side comparison against a X350. The original 350 deviated from the Pass signature sound quite a bit, and sounded more cold, sterile. The X .5 seemed to infuse the midrange magic from the Aleph series into these amps. I don't know anything about the INT-150 and have not heard it myself.

Adding the X1 will help to some degree. I had heard both the X1 and the X0.2 in my friend's system. The Pass press had more warmth than the ARC REF 2 Mk I with stock tubes. Depending on how much warmth you are looking for, this may or may not be enough (to your liking). I like the 350.5 very much, but wouldn't touch the 350 with a 10 foot pole.

FrankC
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I would also consider the INT-30A which is based on the XA.5 series. The power spec is conservative though it may not have enough for your speakers with which I am unfamiliar. You should contact Pass with this question. Kent is very good at describing differences in the product line. If you have a local Pass dealer, audition the different suggestions in your system if possible.
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