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

Hi Guys,

Some of you may know that I have some buzz/hum issue in one of newly received XA60.5 mono blocks. The dealer diagnosed the problem and determined the transformer needs replacing. Since the XA60.5 is only few days old so I am given the chance to get a replacement set or I could top up the price difference to get the X350.5 or XA100.5s when my dealer gets their stocks in the next 3-4 weeks time.

Kudos to Pass Labs and the dealer's service for all the patience and after sales services...certainly very much appreciated and glad I go for Pass Labs.

As such, I have 3-4 weeks to listen to the current XA60.5 in my system while waiting for the stocks to arrive and make the final decision on the swap/upgrade.
elmerpoh
keithr
950 posts
 
the latest TAS said the Sasha is not an easy speaker to drive, leading me to believe the higher power option is preferable.

in fact, RH said it was the hardest to drive speaker in the Wilson line. ymmv.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Yup, I would think XA100.5 or higher, but those 100s are conervatively rated, might do the trick with the Sashas, but it does seem to be one of those speakers like some Thiels and B&W were the more power the better - they need it.
jpspock
13 posts
 
Hi Elmeroth,

I listened the XA60 and 100.5 the same day on the same Sasha. I compared the X350.5 with 250.5, 600.5 on Sophia2 and the on WP8. One thing is very important too : the preamp. I have compared the XP10 and XP20 with XA100.5 and X600.5 and XP20 is much better : wider and deeper image, deeper and articulate bass, magnificient midrange. So when you will listen to those gears, don't forget the impact of the preamp, because it can change everything.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
The plot thickens...
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
Elmerpoh,

I must have misunderstood you. I thought from your original post that the dealer is getting new stock (both the X350.5 and the XA100.5) in the next 3-4 weeks. I assumed you would simply be able to listen and compare them to your XA60.5 at the shop or better in your system. Now it seems that these will not be available to you to demo/audition in your own system. Is that the purpose of this thread? The dealer will have these for you to purchase, but you will not be able to listen to each ahead of time? That is the only way to really know for yourself.

I agree with Jpspock. The pre amp makes a big difference and the Pass units sound great with the Pass amps. Have you considered getting a preamp and just repairing the XA60.5 instead of upgrading the amp? I would ask Pass or the dealer if this makes more sense.

Peter
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