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Pass XA Monoblock Amps

I know there have been many threads on these amps and the different levels of power with each set. To those who owned the Pass XA60.5 and went to the Pass XA100.5 monoblocks, did you feel that the change made a big difference in your system or was it not that noticeable whether played at low to mid level volume levels or high volume. I currently own the Pass 60.5 and am contemplating the Pass 100.5. Some people have suggested that it would take a move to the Pass XA160.5 for it to really make a difference but that would unfortunately be out of my price range. The room is 12 by 24 and the speaker load is 2 ten inch seas woofers, 2 seven inch mids, and the tweeter. They are 4 ohm with a sensitivity of 91 but a big speaker. Any thoughts from Pass owners of these amps would be appreciated. The other direction i can go would be to upgrade my Pre-amp from the Rowland Capri but my initial thought was that the Pass amp change would be more of an upgrade. Thanks for your thoughts.
pettyfeversk

Showing 1 response by tomcy6

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tomcy6
2,623 posts
 
I haven't owned any of the Pass monoblocks but do have an INT-30A. I think that for the money it would cost to upgrade to the XA 100.5s you could improve the sound of your system much more by getting a new preamp, and be able to change the sound in a variety of different ways.

Now to attract a little vitriol, I once read an interview with Nelson Pass where he said the amps of the XA.5 series all sound the same to him, the higher powered ones just have more power. I wish I could find the interview but I can't. This is not meant to question or aggravate anyone who has moved up the XA.5 power ladder. I'm sure that you have better ears than me and you really do hear whatever improvement you hear.
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