Pass labs x250.8 stereo amp in San Diego?

End of this story: I purchased a 250.8 from Mark and I love it. 

@ebm hi. I’ve traded about 5 emails with Mark. He’s fine. Keep trying.

Is Mark ok at Reno Hi Fi as my friend is trying to reach him with no luck for weeks.

Thanks, everyone. Looks like no one in the San Diego area has a Pass Labs x250.8 to share. I talked to Mark at Reno Hifi. Good guy. The return fee is about $1000. In other words, I basically can't return it. From everything I read, I can only imagine loving this amp. It's just hard to know how much different the amp is from my McIntosh 6700 and if the difference is worth the price of the amp. I'm tempted to purchase the Pass Labs sight unseen but it's definitely risky, given personal tastes. Has anyone compared a McIntosh to the Pass Labs? 

Excellent amplifier! Gets out of the way in the service of the music. Easy to get that emotional connection with Pass amps; built to a wonderful design spec, assembled by a consistent production team, and backed by one of the best companies in the business. What’s not to like?

As others attested to that Mark over at Reno Hi-Fi is the best. Having now lived with the X250.8 for a couple years, it is a superb amplifier. I can't believe you would regret in any way, shape, or form. I'm running mine with the XP22 preamp which is a match made in Heaven. The Pass XP17 phono pre is a gem also.

I have the Pass 250.8 but also thousands of miles away. Aren't there shops in other nearby cities that carry the Pass equipment where you could get a listen once things open back up.
I running mine with the Pass XP 10 pre.
I doubt you would return it if you take it for a trial.
Reno also has demo units at a substantial discount.
Good luck 

@adg101 I currently have a McIntosh 6700, RME dac, and BW 803 d3s. Just looking for more dimension in the sound.

Can’t speak for the .8 series but I own the original x250 and it’s still a fine amp. I was fortunate to bring home a used .5 and yes I could hear the difference but as it goes I could not justify the difference between selling mine and buying the .5, and deep down I’d rather just hold off for a .8. I have not heard the .8 but I’m sure it’s a great amp. Not sure if it’ll be the same but my ModWright LS36.5 preamp works great with my X250. 
Might help knowing your current amp is and what you’re looking to achieve. Also what are your speakers?

By the way, what preamps are you using with your x250.8?

Thanks for your thoughts. The restocking fee + roundtrip shipping is about $600 if I returned the amp. But you're right, flying to Reno to hear the amp is different from auditioning it with my speakers, etc. It's just a bit crazy to spend so much money without having heard the amp I've read so much about. But, given the covid lockdown, my only choice might be risking the $600. Thanks!

I’m about 3000 miles from San Diego, so the audition part is out. The suggestion of contacting Mark at Reno hifi is spot on. Best environment to audition gear in is your room with your gear. 

I’ve owned a 250.8 since 2015. It’s outstanding! 

 I am an admitted Pass fanboy, and I have had great experience with Reno HiFi. 
Mark makes it really easy to audition equipment at home. 
He will ship you out a 250.8 and let you keep it for, I believe 10 days, to listen to it with your system.

Worth looking in to.