Pass Labs XA30.5 in my system?


Dear Audiophiles!

I am looking for a solid-state class A power amplifier with balanced circuit topology to replace Acurus in my modest Hi-Fi setup:
 
Mac mini (USB3 output) ->
Singxer SU-1 ->
Yggdrasil DAC (AES/EBU XLR input) ->
Primare PRE30 preamplifier (AES/EBU XLR input) ->
Acurus A250 power amplifier (RCA input) ->
Monitor Audio RS-6
 
I am currently considering Pass Labs XA30.5 and am wondering if it will “work nicely” with my upstream and downstream components.

Any info/advice is very much appreciated. Please chime in!

Please see the specs below for your consideration.

Pass Labs XA30.5

Type: Solid-state stereo amplifier
Power Output: 30 wpc into 8 Ohm, 60 wpc into 4 Ohm (both 14.8dbW)
Power Consumption (Watts): 238
Temperature (deg C.): 53
Voltage Gain: 26 dB
Input Sensitivity: 0.77 V at 26db gain
Frequency Response: 1.5Hz–100kHz, –3db at 1.5Hz, –2db at 100kHz
Signal/noise: 150db at full power (I cannot believe this is not a misprint!)
Distortion: 0.01% at 3 watts, 0.1% at 30 watts (measured at 1 kHz)
Input Impedance: 30 kOhm balanced, 15 kOhm unbalanced
Damping Factor: 150 for an 8 Ohm nominal load
Maximum Output Current: 20 Ampere
Maximum Output Voltage: ±35 Volts
Output Noise: 150 microvolt unweighted 20 Hz - 20 kHz
DC Offset: <50 mV
Slew rate: ±50 V/µs
Dimensions: 19" (485mm) W by 7" (180mm) H by 19" (485mm) D
Weight: 62 lbs (28kg)
Shipping weight: 75 lbs (34kg)

Primare PRE30 Preamplifier

Balanced inputs          560mV
Line inputs                   280mV
Sensitivity adjustment    -20dB to +20dB
Tape outputs               280mV
Gain                            16dB
Frequency response    DC to 100kHz ± 0.1dB
THD                             <0.01%
Signal-to-noise ratio    -118dB
Crosstalk                      -113dB
Mains                            100/115/230V
Dimensions (WxDxH)    430 x 410 x 100mm
Weight                           9.5kg

Monitor Audio RS6

Frequency Response: 38 Hz - 30 KHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M):   91 dB
Nominal Impedance:     6 Ohms
Power Handling (RMS): 120 W
Recommended Amplifier Requirements (RMS): 40 - 120 W
Tweeter Crossover Frequency: 3 KHz
Drive Unit Compliment: 1 x 6” C-CAM® Bass, 1 x 6” C-CAM® Bass Mid-range. 1 x 1” gold dome C-CAM® tweeter.
Cabinet Design: Balanced velocity twin reflex ported
Product External Dimensions: (H x W x D) 850 x 185 x 250 mm
Plinth Dimensions: (H x W x D): 25 x 255 x 305 mm
Individual Weight: 18 Kg

N.B. Impedance varies with frequency and goes to as low as 4 Ohms and as high as 16 Ohms. And, most importantly,“real” sensitivity is much lower than “nominal”: 87.40dB (averaged 300Hz-3kHz, 2.83V/1m)!
Measurements taken in the anechoic chamber at Canada's National Research Council can be found through this link:
http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1221:nrc-measu...

hardball
And although folks around these parts argued otherwise while I was shopping, the amp had plenty of power for my speakers.  Thiel 2.4s:   Impedance: 4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum. Sensitivity: 87dB/2.83V/m. Recommended power: 100–400W.  I've posted this a number of times, but I also tried a McIntosh MC402 and a Pass x250.5 and preferred the XA30.5.
The amp has massive headroom yes. Not your typical 30 watt amp.
The Canare cables can be purchased through Blue Jeans Cable.  I actually purchased mine through Amazon!  I use a Cardas Clear power cable on my amp but I have not compared to the stock cord.  
As far as fair price goes, I would strongly recommend you contact Mark at Reno HiFi.  He will give you a fair price on a new, demo or used piece and you will always be able to trade up the line in the future. How about a matching XP-10???  On Agon, I have seen them go for $3000 - $3500. 

Thank you guys!

@cal3713 I understand if XA30.5 can happily drive speakers with 87dB/2.83V/m Sensitivity, and Recommended power of 100–400W, I should have no problems with my Monitor Audio RS6. Most reassuring!

"Left the amp on 24 hrs a day..." in standby mode, I presume?

@karl_desch I have just checked Reno HiFi, and found they have XA30.5 with the following description:
"Used, Excellent condition, about two years old, one year transferable factory warranty, all factory accessories, new factory double-boxing, Satisfaction Guaranteed. S/N 28934. $3295. " Would you consider this to be a fair price, please?

What amp stand would you recommend for XA30.5, please? I have just realized my 17" audio stand is too small for the "monster"!



I use a SolidSteel amp stand and it looks good with the Pass.  MusicDirect sells them.

Call Mark at Reno Hifi and he will likely give you an even better price. He will also likely confirm most of the points made in this forum.

I leave the amp in standby mode when not listening.  It consumes lots of energy at idle so not a great idea to keep it on full power 24 hours a day. Also, not necessary.

cal3713-


the Thiel CS 2.4 is one of the best kept secrets in Audio.

Why did you move to another speaker? Which cabling do you use in your system?  Happy Listening!