Pass Labs xa - .5 amps

For bass detail and speed, consider these determinants:

1) Powercords, particularly on your source components.
2) Amplifier power. Your woofer may have different needs compared to the rest of your speaker depending upon size, #, and crossover design.
3) Interconnects and speaker cables.
4) Room interactions. New components often require speaker position changes, even if you did not change the speaker.

Bass is inherently slow. Large waves in an accoustic hall coming from an acoustic resonating instrument should convey some ambiance. The exception might be when the percussionist dampens the instrument after striking, and the sound should recover fairly quickly. Electric bass is not always natural. Some amplifiers convey an illusion of fast bass through the midrange. I think some people are looking for a type of bass from their system that does not exist. Anyway, the main point is to review the entire system to achieve the sound you desire.

Soren, I agree it was not a fair comparison due to power issues. Try an x350.5 or x600.5, maybe with a little toe-in on your speaker.

With all due respect, I do not understand why one would use efficient, tube-friendly speakers and then use a solid state amp. There are a number of reliable and easy tube amps out there (ie. BAT). Solid state should be for inefficient speakers (4 ohm and less, 90db and below) that have a different set of sonic priorities.

Pass Labs is not so much about marketing. Pass employs audio enthusiasts who appear to go out-of-the-way to help their consumers. Customer and technical support are among the top. Their products are extremely well built. They introduce new product lines every few years, only when an improvement has been made. And their products span the full range without being duplicative. Nelson Pass has a collection of white papers on amplifier design which are classic. He would probably be as happy helping you make your own amplifier as he would in selling one of his own. The equipment is respected and holds its value. This company is the real-deal in audio. Perhaps some feathers were ruffled on the dealer side of things in the past, but they seem to come through for the consumer.

I have had an x350, an x600, and an x600.5. When I was contemplating a change for my new set-up, I spoke to several people at Pass to discuss the merits of the xa160.5 vs. xa200.5, and found them to be responsive, genuine, and helpful. I decided to go in a different direction, but I could live with an amp from Pass. Not everyone loves the sound, nor does everyone have to. Personally, I do not quite understand the market for low-powered solid state amps. If others enjoy, then good. I think the x250.5-x600.5 are great amps that could be had at a good value. I also think the xa100.5-160.5 likewise are statement pieces.

There is no such thing as a perfect amp. We just have to find what works best with our systems. For now....