Pls help me decide Pass Labs X250.8 or Luxman M900u

I hardly contribute because of all the negative responses, so I hope I don't regret this.

My experience was with Pass amplifiers, all driving a pair of Wilson Watt Puppy 5.1 speakers - which present a very difficult load, are very efficient and reveal everything upstream. 

One caveat, 3D imaging with a wide, deep and natural soundstage is everything to me. Bass is great but not nearly as impressive or important to me.

- XA-30.5 - amazing imaging, bass was it's weak point but by no means objectionable.

- X - 250.5 - strong bass, what others define as a fast amplifier. Poor imaging in comparison. Both amp's are highly resolving.

- XA-200.5's - had these connected to Sasha I's before going back to the 5.1's. Anyone who hears the system is amazed. Bass is still the weak point but nothing like the difference of the 30.5 amplifier, and the 250.5 still has noticeable better bass - but only when making a direct A/B comparison. Otherwise I never heard anyone complain or even make a comment about the bass because everything is so well integrated.

It's the closest I've heard (with a few exceptions) of being at a live performance (with great recordings of course).

Of what I heard, the X.8 series (I heard the 350.8) has much better imaging than the .5 series but still not the XA series equivalent.

This based on experience.

I never heard a Luxman amplifier. I've heard Gryphon, Constellation and a few other "exotic" brands I expected to be better than what I had. My audiophile associates told me they preferred my system (prior to me making any comments) for it's life-likeness.

Please - I'm not trying to boast as I could care what anyone else thinks. I stive to enjoy the illusion of a live performance in my home. I normally invite anyone in the central NJ area to stop by for to enjoy music for themselves but at this time my system is not operating because my wife serviced me with divorce, and I'm uncertain how things will be settled and my system is currently being dismantled for either storage or sale.

Best, TJF

@tjassoc Very interesting stuff and perspective and hope you post more often.  I’m in North Jersey and going through a similar situation so I sympathize greatly.  Best of luck with everything.  If/when we both get our systems back up and running maybe we can trade some good listening sessions. 

Great to hear from you soix!

We have a group of 3 other local audiophile friends, we get together periodically to enjoy a few hours of music and food. It's always casual - nothing extravagant but an enjoyable few hours.

We rotate at each other's house. You are welcome to join us.

I'm seven three two seven seven nine one too five seven.

Pass amps suffer in bass, dynamics, and a lack of high end I normally associate with British sound, compared with Luxman, Boulder, Spectral, Ayre, which are all more lifelike.

OP,

Just to point to the reality that your own values and system are the most important aspects in choosing an amp. I completely disagree with @mtdining on every point he makes. This does not mean he is wrong for him. I have 50 years of experience in pursuing high end. I have owned Pass amps for over thirty years and spent a lot of time auditioning Luxman, Boulder, and Spectral. My conclusion is exactly the opposite. Pass exceeds in bass extension, and particularly rhythm and pace… making his amps far more compelling.

This is why you must audition amps in your own system. I am not doubting @mtdining has not experienced what he advocates… just that our values and systems are different.