My experiences with pass labs gear has been very positive… well designed gear using quality parts , reliable and long lasting in terms of time and viability. I prefer the sound of the XA series amps for most music, leans to the right of neutral. the X series amps I find more neutral sounding and better for playing loud hard hitting music..
I am now using a Pass XP22 line stage after trying the XP12 for several months, my first foray into SS pre’s after decades of tubes and passives. I went from an XA25 to a SIT3 and enjoying low powered SET like sound. I like the First Watt amp sound the best so far, but proper matching and sensitive speakers is a must to get the most from it.
Someday I would like to try the XA100.8 amps.. but right now this combo is quite enjoyable..
Price wise, I find Pass gear to be a good value, there are some amps out there that have $90k in the case work and $5K worth of parts and manufacturing. Pass is solid gear for the money.
As with most things audio.. get what sound best to you..
I am now using a Pass XP22 line stage after trying the XP12 for several months, my first foray into SS pre’s after decades of tubes and passives. I went from an XA25 to a SIT3 and enjoying low powered SET like sound. I like the First Watt amp sound the best so far, but proper matching and sensitive speakers is a must to get the most from it.
Someday I would like to try the XA100.8 amps.. but right now this combo is quite enjoyable..
Price wise, I find Pass gear to be a good value, there are some amps out there that have $90k in the case work and $5K worth of parts and manufacturing. Pass is solid gear for the money.
As with most things audio.. get what sound best to you..