Pass Labs:What to expect fm XA60.5 to XA100.5

Hi Kenl,

Yes,The reviews are pretty much true, the Pass Labs XA indeed have magical mids and highs.. You need to hear them...

Regarding heat from the XAs, no issue since you have air conditioning in your listening room.

When I listen to few hours of music with the XA60.5 without air conditioning, they only run slightly hot to touch(I.e. could still touch the heat fins for about 8-10 secs).

Cheers

With your speakers I would not expect much of a difference going from the XA-60.5 to the 100.5, it just doesn't seem like power (a fairly marginal difference here) is the issue, not with your speakers and your room. Did you ask Pass Labs?

Are you running balanced or single ended from the Bel Canto DAC to the XA-60.5?

The Bel Canto DAC outputs 2.5Vrms single ended and 5.5Vrms balanced. If you're running single ended it's *possible* dynamics are being affected, and you might try running balanced instead.

At the volume levels you normally listen, there will be no discernible difference between the XA-60.5 and XA-100.5, IMO. At 98dB peaks, you're only using 8 watts of power.

Though I did not say it before, I should have added that IMHO the XA60.5 will sound as good, if not better than the XA100.5 IF it provides enough power to drive your speakers to the volume levels you want, and in the case of your speakers, that would seem to be the case. All things being equal, my opinion is that the same basic circuit design sounds better in a lower watt configuration than higher watt because it is a simpler device at lower watts. My general rule is buy as many watts as you need, but no more than you need.

I went from the XA100.5 to the XA160.5. My speakers are a very demanding load and I thought I would need more power/current. I first demoed my speakers with the XA30.5 and they sounded a bit restricted during loud classical passages. My XA100.5 was better so I considered the XA160.5. I called Kent at Pass and he said I would get a bit more of everything. He was right. Better dynamics, larger soundstage, more effortlessness, better air, better control of bass. All this in a small room at moderate volume 75-90 dB. Music just became more involving. The improvement was not huge, but better in every way. For me, it was definitely worth the upgrade cost.

I am not familiar with your speakers and have not heard the XA60.5. I suggest you contact Pass Labs and describe your situation. I also have not heard the X350.5, but if you like the pure Class A sound and the XA100.5 is enough for you, it might just be the ticket.