Pass Labs XA30.8 vs XA60.8 moon blocks


I have a line on a set of used XA60.8 mono blocks. I currently have the XA30.8 stereo amp. Will the XA60.8 be enough of an upgrade over the XA30.8?

I tried editing the title but can’t. Not sure what Moon blocks are 😳

z32kerber

@z32kerber  Based on official specs, your speakers:
 

- have 89dB sensitivity at 4 ohms, which is sort of equivalent to 86dB at 8 ohms

- have recommended amplifier power range from 75 - 300 W per channel.

 

Based on this, I’d recommend the X260.8 monos instead of XA60.8 monos.

 

audphile1 has the right suggestion.  The people at Pass Labs are who you want to talk to.  They are very good about customer support, even if you didn't buy the amps new, and will give you the right advice.

I called Pass Labs with the same question. Recommendation for my speakers was X260.8. The XA60.8 will be an upgrade over XA30.8 not only because of higher power rating, which helps regardless, but also due to superior power supplies. Going from XA30.8 to X260.8 was a significant step up in my system. There’s lower noise floor, better detail and separation and bigger soundstage. Bass is on a totally different level.
The room is a touch warmer now as well but tolerable.
I would expect the same type of improvement going from XA30.8 to the XA60.8 monoblocks.

Call or email Pass Labs and get their thoughts on your upgrade path. Never hurts to hear it from them what to expect.

They should nickname the XA60.8 amps The Eclipse. Because they are Moon blocks.

@tomcy6 thank you for your response. I have Chapman T7 speakers which I recently had Stuart Chapman Jones rebuild/upgrade. They sound great on my XA30.8 amp. Imaging and sound stage are very good (depending on the recording of course).

That’s not really enough information to say, which is why you’re not getting responses. It could be a significant upgrade if your speakers need more power or just a minor bump by giving each channel its own amp.

What speakers are you using and how do they sound with the 30.8?

And stay away from the Moon Blocks.  The shipping will bankrupt you.