Pass Labs xa - .5 amps

Soren,
I have the XA100.5. I used to have the XA160. In my system, Eggleston speakers 87dB/6ohm, the 160s were a little slow/heavy in the bass as you describe. The XA100.5 has much faster, more articulate and defined bass and are better balanced overall. Great control over the woofers. The mids on voice and strings are exceptionally involving - lots of body and presence. I have not heard the XA30.5 or XA60.5. Matching a pre to Pass amps is very important. I auditioned a very well regarded tube preamp which sounded terrible in the bass region with my amps but great in other systems.

Hi

The output impedance is 50 Ohms. Is that too high for the XA30.5?

Soren,
50 ohms is great. What brand and how long are your ic's to the Pass? Is the needle on the Pass moving when you are experiencing the flab? My 30.5 had more articulate bass on my Maggie 3.6 than my previous McIntosh 1000 watt monoblocks (as long as the needle wasn't moving). Going to Pass's 100.5 was a noticable improvement in bass. I haven't heard the 60.5. Twice the power would only give you 3db more loudness BUT that plus each channel having its own power supply would give your more control. Maybe not enough for your taste or speakers.

XA power is expensive. Have you thought of trying one of the X.5 series?