Pass X-250.5 or Plinius SA-103

or maybe pick up an old Krell KSA-50/100

those were great amps years ago, and would work well

Correcto. The Aleph O and Os have both single-ended and balanced inputs. But I've not been able to produce the performance level of my X350.5 with my Aleph Os, probably because my speakers need more power than what the Os can deliver? Speakers are Verity Parsifal Encores.

FrankC

I have never owned a Pass, but the warmth and smoothness of a plinius would never disappoint.

I think if you like the Plinius amps, to my ears it is similar in presentation to both the the Aleph and the X series Pass equipment, depending on the position of the bias switch. I had the SA-100 and would compare it to the X-150 Pass A/B design. When switched into high bias class A very similar to the Pass Aleph 4...but I found the Aleph to be the most musical to my ears...a little magic!

I have owned Pass XA-60.5's, and just about every amp you can imagine (AR (VT 100MKII and solid state), BAT, Rowland, Krell, VAC, NAD Master Series, Music Reference, and lots more). Just tonight, I installed a Plinius SA 103.

Maybe I am just in a good mood tonight, but I am telling the entire audio world that this amp is a giant killer. I absolutely loved my Pass Amps; I regreted selling them until tonight. The Pass XA's were the best solid state I have ever owned. And a Nelson Pass design may be the right amp for you (but I would stay with XA is you can as my Pass X150.5 seemed a little boring by comparison)!

But let me tell you, this Plinius does exactly what I want an amp to do. Imaging the likes of which I have never heard. Punch and good dynamics without sounding at all forward or pushy. Dead quiet. Did I mention the sound stage and the revealing sound without a hint of analytical-type sound?

Just a great amp. I hope to have it for many, many years.

jeff.