Pass X vs XA amps sound quality in class A range

I have owned both the X250.5 and the XA30.5. They both sound excellent. The X250.5 has great dynamic contrasts and bass control. IMO, the XA30.5 is slightly more resolving and relaxed sounding. In my system, I prefer the XA30.5. But I don't require a lot of power, either.

What are the speakers? How big is the room? How loud do you listen? Knowing the answers to these questions would help yield more valid advice.

Bryon

I think Pubul57 is right. I suspect that the X600.5 and the XA160.5 are unlikely to sound the same, even at lower volumes. My understanding is that the circuitry designs of the two amps have significant differences, and that those differences are audible, even when both amps are operating in Class A. Certainly I can say that my X250.5 and XA30.5 didn't sound exactly the same, even when both amps were operating in Class A.

Your room is quite large, and you mentioned a tendency to listen at loud levels. So it is not a clear cut decision, IMO. It would ideal if you could audition the XA160.5's in your system, to see if they have enough power for your loud listening sessions. If it were me, and I could not audition the amps, I would take a chance on the XA160.5's. I have heard the XA100.5's, and to me, they sounded absolutely glorious. FWIW.

Hopefully other Pass owners with more experience than I have will offer their advice.

Bryon

According to Stereophile measurements...

While the XA30.5 may give 30Wpc into 8 ohms in class-A (14.8dBW)...the amplifier doesn't actually clip (defined as the THD reaching 1%) until a much higher power level: 130Wpc into 8 ohms (21.14dBW). Even higher powers were available into lower impedances before clipping: 195Wpc into 4 ohms with both channels driven (19.9dBW), and 332W into 2 ohms with one channel driven (19.2dBW).

I assume the other amps in the XA.5 series will be similar in this respect, but I don't know that for sure.

Bryon