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Upgrade from Pass Labs XA30.8 to X250.8. Worth it?

I am getting ready to make some upgrades to the system. I currently running a DAC into a BAT51SE, then a Pass Labs XA30.8, then finally into Decware DM947 speakers (don't worry if you've never heard of them; not the last word in speakers, but have been doing a solid job for about 5 years now.)

I am contemplating moving up the Pass Labs amplifier line, and the X250.8 looks attractive. I would like to hear more bass authority and definition, but I don't really want to sacrifice the mids and highs of the 30.8. 

I would love to hear some of your impressions of the X250.8, especially if you are able to make some direct comparisons to the XA30.8. I've spoken with both Mark at Reno Hifi, and Kent English of Pass Labs; both are wonderful and informative people. What I am interested in now is the opinions and experiences of end users of either of these amps. 

Thanks! 
Ag insider logo xs@2xwillrich47
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willrich47 OP
25 posts
 
@jl35 how are the mids and highs on the X250.8 compared to the XA30.8?
jl35
2,244 posts
 
More clear and detailed 
earthtones
15 posts
 
I’m expecting a set of XA 60.8s from Reno Hifi to arrive in a few days. I too, have an XA 30.8. Although I’m expecting the bass to improve, I’m really seeking improvements in imaging, sound staging and a greater sense of ease, which my discussion with Reno Hifi and my reading of the description on the Pass Labs site have led me to expect. Based on everything I’ve read and heard, and especially John Atkinson’s review of the XA 60.5’s, I’m tempted to think that the XA 60.8s are their best sounding amps. I don’t see how their more powerful XA’s could be as good in terms of finesse, but again that’s my conjecture. I have the lower bass covered with my Vandersteen Quatro CTs. I can’t wait to hear them!
d2girls's avatar
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d2girls
641 posts
 
I would love to upgrade to 60.8 monoblocks too and it would be nice to have a 30.8 even if I do prefer the 30.5
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willrich47 OP
25 posts
 

I used to own the XA30.5; it was a great amplifier. It replaced my Decware Torii Mk IV, which I was sure, was going to be my ‘terminal amp.’ When I got the XA30.5, I thought I was taking a huge chance on it. I didn’t expect it to perform well against my valve amp and figured there was a 50/50 chance I would be disappointed and sell it. I was surprised to find that the Pass Labs XA30.5 eclipsed my Torii in almost every way. 


The XA30.8 sounded different in a couple of ways. For starters, it sounded great cold! Maybe better than the XA30.5 warmed up. 


There are plenty of other differences between the two amps. For example, the 30.8 is darker, much smoother, clearer, images better, and voices may be pulled back just a hair. It's got more mid-bass, which I like a lot (reminds me of my tube amp). Its bass is overall much punchier, tighter, clearer. The 30.8 sounds much more powerful overall.


On top, the main difference between the XA30.5 and XA30.8 is that the XA30.5 has a 'sweetness' on the very highest frequencies. I don't hear it with the XA30.8. I liked the sweetness on the XA30.5, but there are bound to be a couple of gives and takes. 


I can see why you like the 30.5!!




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