We are talking about properties/ talents an amp has. I did not like the X series of Pass at all. 0.5 makes a big difference. There are a few Krell amps I like as well. I like stunning quality. Name of brand is not everything. The X and XA .5 series I like, cause of there properties/ talents. I want a wide and deep stage with a sharp individual focus. The thing I also like about the latest Pass amp's is how they can let you hear easilly the different in sound of instruments. This is a big difference with Classe. Classe is a brand what does not do anything wrong. But it are the special parts what can make an amp more involving/exiting. Pass labs gives a wide and deep stage but individual focus is quite big like most US brands. In real an instrument or voice is very small in dimension and very direct to locate. You still need the right tools ( cables, source etc.)to get this right. Nothing is perfect, like we humans are not perfect.