Pass X-150 or Cary V-12?

My dream is BAT VK60 or pair of those in mono configuration rather than going for new V12s
1. It is sencitive 1.2V
2. It is OK with passive preamp(I'm the passive guy too!)
3. Used one on the market is $2000 so if you want to spend $4000 than buy a pair and us them as monoblocks(120W/ch!)
4. In your current setup you will outperform Pass X150 and Cary V12 at ease!

I own a Pass X-150 that I use to power my Audio Physics Virgos. I think this is a wonderful combination. I also have tried the Pass with my Nautilus 805s. Combining the X150 with the 805s really brought out the best in the 805s. The detail and soundstage both were incredible. In fact, I liked the combination so much that I am looking around for a Pass X5 to replace the amp I currently use in my HT. While I think the Cary is a great amp, I think the Pass would be a better combination with your 803s; however, you may wish to look at the X250 for the increased power. In my experience, the B&W speakers need a fair amount of power to bring out the best the speaker has to offer.

Hey Blackie,

I am in complete agreement with Tdavism3. The Nautilus line is not the most efficient regardless of their ratings. I drove a pair of 802 Nautilus with my Electrocompaniet AW250DMB and was very happy with the results. That is until I heard the Talon's, but that is another story for another time. I don't think that any of us who have posted have really answered your question, but low powered tube amps coupled with a passive line stage driving a speaker that needs headroom to come alive is not the answer. You cannot go wrong with the Pass. Even if you didn't like it, the resale value is definetly excellent. It is also IMO a more neutral (or honest?) sounding amp than the others you mentioned. Remember, Electrocompaniet designed a pair of their best amps to drive the Nautilus 801. The same sonic signature is intact through both lines, so I think it would be a safe bet that EC & B&W are an excellent marriage.

Good luck!