2. tech-talk
  3. 1282046892

PASS LABS XA-30.5 vs XA-60.5

Hello all,
Has anyone heard the differences between these two amps, and have done A/B comparrisons on them? I have a XA-30.5 that I'm using with Totem Hawk Speakers. The XA-30.5 drives them very well, but I have been told the 60.5’s give you much better smoothness and cohesiveness, better imaging, better bass control, greater ease and greater resolution.

Here's the million dollar question:

I am ready for my next upgrade and have roughly $6000. Should I upgrade to the XA-60.5's or upgrade my Esoteric X03-SE cd player to the Esoteric seperates P-05 transport and D-05 DAC??

I have very appealing offers for both options.

Any Thoughts?

My system:

Pass Labs XA-30.5 amp
Pass Labs X0.2 preamp
Esoteric XO3-SE cd player
BPT 3.5 Ultra Sig. power conditioner
Totem Hawk speakers
AudioPath custom IC's and speaker cable
Shunyay Python CX power cords
roor

Showing 8 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Noams,
There was no ulterior motive.

Read my posting history.

Deal with it and move on.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
That's wreaking not wreacking Rtn1 and thanks for your opinion.

You can be the site's fool.

Deal?
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Fair enough Noams.

Enjoy the music.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>09-08-10: 6550c
If you are going to drop 6K on your next amp, I would listen to the Audio Research VS115- I think it would outpace ANY Pass product<<

We can assume you've heard the entire Pass line?

And in what aspect(s) would it outpace them?

Thanks in advance.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
With speakers friendly to both amps, I hear very little difference between them.

Perhaps the XA-30.5 is a bit more polished.

Dealer disclaimer.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>10-11-10: Roor
The 60.5's are better all the way around...<<

Totally disagree

Dealer disclaimer
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I wouldn't characterize a mild disagreement as one party "slamming" the other.

Actually Tvad has articulated his position graciously based on his experience with both products.

Not that it matters but I have over 1000 hours of listening experience with both amps and the XA30.5 is clearly a better sounding product given a friendly pair of speakers.

Dealer disclaimer
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Noams,
I think you've mischaracterized me in using the word shrewd.

My opinion was offered based on experience with the products in question, I clearly disclosed my status, and in fact may have saved potential users a handful of money.

Lastly, Pass dealers have territorial restrictions. As such, I am unable to sell 99+% of this thread readers.

Stick with your Area 51 theories.
They make more sense.
More to discover