Spaz, I own the Mac 501's and have been trying different amps in my system for some time now and the end result is the Mac's have stayed. These amps are a real bargain, I really like them.
BUT I just recently got a pair of PASS X600.5's and have to say that they are superior in every way in my system which involves "sound and stage presence". Don't forget that there is a huge difference in cost between these two but I have tried other amps costing even more and over all the Mac's stayed until now.
I have not heard the X600's so I can not comment, I do want to try the XA100.5's and if they don't work then the XA160.5's in my system. I heard the XA100.5's compared to X350.5's at a dealers in the same system and I preferred the XA100.5's, they were hooked-up with SWAN speakers.
Some other amps on my short list, Lamm and Cat.
BUT I just recently got a pair of PASS X600.5's and have to say that they are superior in every way in my system which involves "sound and stage presence". Don't forget that there is a huge difference in cost between these two but I have tried other amps costing even more and over all the Mac's stayed until now.
I have not heard the X600's so I can not comment, I do want to try the XA100.5's and if they don't work then the XA160.5's in my system. I heard the XA100.5's compared to X350.5's at a dealers in the same system and I preferred the XA100.5's, they were hooked-up with SWAN speakers.
Some other amps on my short list, Lamm and Cat.