Pass Labs XA.5 vs XA.8

I moved from the XA60.5 to the XA100.5 to get a better handle on my Magnepan 3.7i and two DWMs.  It was  real trade-off between the two.  The XA100.5 were a touch better suited for the 3.7i and DWMs powerwise.  The meters move a bit less often but surprisingly it was not night and day.  The XA100.5 has a more laid back presentation than the XA60.5.  Lead vocals were not as front and center.  ...almost making it a touch more of a group than a lead and back-up.  Something like the Rolling Stones became a bit more of a band less than Mick Jagger.  On the other hand, female vocals lost a touch of the magic.  The lead sounds just as beautiful but a bit less forward.  ...especially when the female vocalist was unsupported.

So my question, I heard conflicting reports in the forums and in the press.   Some say that the 60.5 and 160.5 are more a like and the 100.5 and 200.5.  Other say that all the XA.5s are cut of the same clothe, so to speak.  Do others have opinions?

I've seen few reviews on the XA.8, but one suggested that the XA100.8 is a blend of the XA60.5 and XA100.5.  I fear reviews that say that the next generation is everything to everyone. Other pass forums have suggested that the XA100.5 and XA100.8 are quite different and one is not clearly better than the other.  ...which suggests that listening and demoing is the only way to go.  Any opinions are welcome.