T+A PA 3100HV vs Pass Labs X350.8

@mrrui You are welcome.

@hegelsjh You are welcome.

Pass [also] didn’t recommend aftermarket power cords, though they have moved somewhat on that position. : )

Power cords will also bring improvements. In my experience / experimentation, the upside delta from the power supply / conditioner was higher than that from power cords. However, I recommend both to get the most out of your Pass amps.

Your post caused me to revisit some of the statements made by Nelson Pass about not using power conditioners with his amps.

@pennpencil
What was the difference between the X250.8 and 350.8?
I am considering the 260.8 monos, any experience with those?

@david_ten The T+A is on the warm or neutral side? Is it warmer or more neutral than the Pass combo? I would audition them at the shop on Dynaudio speakers but it will be difficult to make the right judgement because many factors (time,...). Hope you can gave me some more information bout how they sound. Thank you.
@dep14 I have excluded the C2700 because I don't need the DAC. Now I strongly consider the C22 Mk V or all the way up to the C1100. My local dealer will restock those preamps next month and I hope the covid thing is under control by then to audition them.

The T+A is on the warm or neutral side? Is it warmer or more neutral than the Pass combo?

@mrrui

I’ll sidestep your question, somewhat... : )

Warmth and neutrality are subjectively defined and experienced at an individual level. Not knowing where you fall, and whether we have overlap in the spectrum...a direct answer only applies to me. If you were to push me on it, I’d say the T+A is both warm enough and neutral enough... which some (many) would label as contradictory.

Now, my focus in comparisons is on realism and naturalism. Both, of course, are also individually defined and experienced (as above) but they are higher level / holistic criteria (for me). I’m looking for a summation and synthesis, not reduction.

The T+A delivered a more realistic and natural presentation, and as a result provided me with greater engagement and emotion than my Pass amp. The Pass amp sounded "hazy" and "grey" and "slower" in direct and relative comparison. In other words, the T+A provided a clearer and more transparent soundscape. Some would say it "gets out of the way" more effectively. T+A’s high current design / approach also allows for greater control of the music, yet with a very nuanced and light touch. To summarize, the T+A sounded more "correct and right" in comparison to my Pass amp, within my then system.

I’ll also mention an issue that’s become much more central to how I evaluate / think about components. In this case, I believe it best to consider the amplifier > speaker cable > speaker as one and a fundamental section of the system [in which the entire system+room is the ’component’ being evaluated]. Therefore, how each amp behaves with the speaker cable and speakers you are using may result in different outcomes and ultimately your preference.