Pass Labs xa - .5 amps

06-04-09: Chashas1
I could definitely see where a Pass amp could take care of any perceived brightness....they certainly are market savvy.

Huh?

If you read my posts, you will see the brightness was corrected due to the Pass XA-.5 amp doubling power as impedance is halved, thus producing more equal decibels across the frequency spectrum even though the impedance varies.

It has to do with the mids and bass being produced at volumes equal to the highs. If the highs are produced at volumes greater than the mids and/or bass, then the perceived result is "brightness". Many amps that double power as impedance is halved will have the same effect on the Sonata III speakers, or on any other speakers with significant variations in impedance. Belles amps are an example that worked well in my system. Many people hear brightness in their speakers, and immediately look to replace the speakers as if it's the speaker's fault, when in fact it's the fault of an improper amp/speaker match.

It has absolutely nothing to do with market savvy.

I could definately see where a Pass amp could take care of any perceived brightness......they certainly are market savvy.

Chashas1, what do you mean by this comment? Have you noticed a particular characteristic of the XA.5 line? Or are you referring to Nelson Pass' marketing efforts? Thanks.

Oops, sorry, Tvad, I quickly perused a few reviews and saw a few comments on the newer esotec tweeter and assumed in certain situations it might be too much or would have to be matched correctly.

Peterayer, I definitely think they're market savvy as a company, just like any other that has been making money and stayed around for as long as they have. I think that's great. I wish a few others from the past were still with us. With my limited listening time with them, I can't really comment on their sound any more than I already have. I could tell that it wasn't for me, my list is growing longer. But isn't that the nature of the hobby?

Discussion lately about Pass XA.5 seems strange to me. Typical comment about Class A amp is that there is insufficient brightness, and not the other way around. I thought my XA60.5 does a fantastic job preserving the fair balance of upper frequencies relative to the mid and lower. An over-emphasis on upper frequencies grab your attention at first, as it gives you the illusion that the equipment is precise and detail in producing the sound. But you soon find out that the sound stage is hem in and the sound is rather harsh. I don't see that in the XA60.5 at all.

As to the lower frequencies, if you are looking for that extra dance club banging so that you can shake with the beat then there are many significantly less expensive amplifiers that can do that for you. As to the XA60.5, I definitely feel the jolt when the particular recording actually calls for it.

Pass Labs is not so much about marketing. Pass employs audio enthusiasts who appear to go out-of-the-way to help their consumers. Customer and technical support are among the top. Their products are extremely well built. They introduce new product lines every few years, only when an improvement has been made. And their products span the full range without being duplicative. Nelson Pass has a collection of white papers on amplifier design which are classic. He would probably be as happy helping you make your own amplifier as he would in selling one of his own. The equipment is respected and holds its value. This company is the real-deal in audio. Perhaps some feathers were ruffled on the dealer side of things in the past, but they seem to come through for the consumer.

I have had an x350, an x600, and an x600.5. When I was contemplating a change for my new set-up, I spoke to several people at Pass to discuss the merits of the xa160.5 vs. xa200.5, and found them to be responsive, genuine, and helpful. I decided to go in a different direction, but I could live with an amp from Pass. Not everyone loves the sound, nor does everyone have to. Personally, I do not quite understand the market for low-powered solid state amps. If others enjoy, then good. I think the x250.5-x600.5 are great amps that could be had at a good value. I also think the xa100.5-160.5 likewise are statement pieces.

There is no such thing as a perfect amp. We just have to find what works best with our systems. For now....