Pass Labs XA30.5 and ModWright KWA150

Because of their power ratings, these amplifiers cannot really be compared apples-to-apples. I believe if you compared them on speakers that can be well driven by the XA-30.5, the superiority of the Pass Labs would be clear.

The XA-30.5 is really in a class of its own...as much as I respect the work of Modwright.

Thanks Tvad for the response. Indeed I was asking on the assumption that the speaker load was not a major factor in the comparison. However, your descriptions of "superiority" and "class of its own" are not really helpful because I am looking for a neutral and detailed account of differences in sonic flavor using various kinds of music.

I am looking for a neutral and detailed account of differences in sonic flavor using various kinds of music.
Ral (Threads | Answers)

There are plenty of reviews of these amps. I will say this about the XA-30.5. It has no sonic flavor. It amplifies what's fed to it without embellishment. To me, what makes the amp unique among solid state amps is it's grain free treble and midrange, combined with it's total bass grip and resolution.

Here's what I suggest if you really want a satisfying answer to your question. Buy a used KWA150, and contact Reno HiFi to obtain a demo XA-30.5.

Listen to them both in your system...assuming you have the appropriate speakers for the XA-30.5.

Keep the one that you prefer.

I never heard the Modwright but I have heard the XA-30.5 and all I can say it is one sweet amplifier. I heard it through a pair of Salk HT3 which is a very difficult speaker to drive and the Pass handled it effortlessly.

I know Modwright is also great stuff so this would be a hard choice for anyone.

Good luck.