What are the weak points of Pass amps and pre-amps ?

benjie, I see. As I understood so far, only slight negatives can be less than perfect precision, speed, dynamics and resolution. Overall, Pass seems to be an excellent choice for many people. Size can be a problem in smaller rooms but look at some other amps out there.

the new XP-22 has an off switch, not familiar with the new phono stages, and the amps have always had a standby and a separate off switch...

j35, yes the new models XP-22 & XP-27 do have a power off switch at the IEC connection. That switch is more for when you would disconnect and unplug the unit. It is not meant as an on - off switch in the traditional sense of a switch that would be located on the front of a pre amp or phono stage. Pass Labs equipment is designed to be powered up at all times for best performance.

Perhaps I have the wrong model but I thought the Coda Continuum 8 amplifier is a high biased A/AB amplifier not 150 watts pure class A. With regard to whether the X series or XA series is "better," I assumed the XA would be preferred but when I talked to Kent at Pass Labs he steered me toward the X series for my speakers (Thiels)...he said the X series would be a better match. So I was prepared to spend significantly more money but I ended up with a X150.8 and its one of the most harmonically rich and detailed amplifiers I’ve ever heard. So much so I was thinking about trying one of their preamps.

Note, one could fry an egg on a hot EAR 890 amp, it’s that hot for the chassis and transformers, dangerous to touch after 1/2 hour.  Pass amps currently list their temperature at 127 degrees, above warm and slightly hot.