Speaker match with Pass Labs XA-160

Boa,Bartokfan....I don't find myself inclined to contribute to a thread if I have no interest in the subject. You have obviously involved yourself in this decussion with no interest but disruption. If you don't care for the "Pass sound" why waste your superior opinion on such matters?
Greg
Gandme (Threads | Answers)

These responses seem to display an interest in your topic, and some good suggestions.

09-09-06: Boa2
I heard the XA-160s with Eggleston Works Andra II's. If you like the Pass sound, the XA is a welcome step up from the X-350. More rounded, fluid, altogether more musical. The Andra II's are phenomenally good, the kind of speaker that will stop you from looking further.

09-15-06: Boa2

I don't hear "liquid, palpable, warm, musical, etc." when I listen to Pass gear. Others might, however.

As I said above, if you like the Pass sound, they work well with the Andra II's. I would also suggest that if you have been pleased with your Levinson amps, the Pass are definitely worth a listen.

The Andra II was an excellent suggestion, as was Tpsonic's suggestion of something in the Von Schweikert line.

Which speakers in this thread have you added to your list, and which have you eliminated?

I heard the XA-160s with Eggleston Works Andra II's. If you like the Pass sound, the XA is a welcome step up from the X-350. More rounded, fluid, altogether more musical. The Andra II's are phenomenally good, the kind of speaker that will stop you from looking further.

Sorry, but outside of being a recommendation that you simply didn't like, that wasn't a disruption. I've heard the amps with the Andra IIs, and highly recommend the combination. You will also note that I did not disparage the Pass sound, but suggested that this combination could be just the ticket if you like Pass, which you obviously do. Truth be told, I've never been enamored with the Pass sound, but this might give you even more cause to investigate the Andra IIs. Because despite the probability of me not enjoying the combination, I did. In addition, as I have heard many a VS speaker--and the Andra IIs being a VS design--I'd recommend hearing those as well.

Greg, you have taken a dismissive, condescending attitude toward every suggestion that wasn't previously on your radar. So with that, I'll excuse myself from this tete-a-tete with the recommendation that you spend a day or two driving to Bay Area and/or LA dealers who carry the speakers in which you're interested, and then you can decide for yourself. Because $10K is a lot to spend when relying upon the kindness of strangers. :-)

tvad, I just neglected to add your name to my last comment!
Boa, I did appreciate the recommendation for the Andra IIs, several members decided at some point to disregard the original thread to become 12 year old standup comedians(you being one of them with an apologetic opinion of those stuck listing to Pass gear)
When I started this thread, I had no idea what Speakers were in combo with XA-160s out in the Audiogon community. I have Audio Physic Virgo IIs in my system with no other pre conceived opinions of what works well with these fine Amps. Boa's critique of the Pass sound indicates he does not like the differences in recordings(good or bad)He would like them all to sound the same! There are many great Amps in this world, most reproduce the recorded sound without putting a heavy signature of their own upon it. Pass Labs accomplishes this as good as any manufacturer. If you don't like their signature do not respond to threads that you have no interest in. I suggest you have your hearing checked, and seek help with your obsesesive/compulsive behavior.
Greg

I thought with this thread people would jump onto their keyboards to sing the praises of the best XA - full range combo they have heard.
Greg
Gandme (Threads | Answers)

Twenty five days into the thread, and what you expected is clearly not going to happen. Consider doing a thread search for XA-160, identifying current owners of these amps, and then contacting them by email.

I've read every one of your posts. You have provided little feedback regarding previous recommendations other than your desire to buy used, full-range speakers from a geographically desirable location. What specifically is your budget? What frequency range do you define as full range? What size is your room? What type of music do you enjoy? What are the characteristics of the kind of sound you prefer? Which speakers among all that you have ever heard have you liked? Which speakers that have been suggested might fit your needs?

Help those that stick around to help you by contributing some useful information to define your goal. The answers to these questions will likely tailor the recommendations provided.

Finally, perhaps you should ask your question directly to a Pass Labs dealer.

There's a review of the Audio Physic Caldera by Grant Samuelsen in Stereo Times:

Grant Samuelsen

13 February 2002

You'd need to go to www.stereotimes.com and search in the Archives under Audio Physic Caldera. Grant contributed to another thread about Calderas and said that they were superior to the Virgo 3's, even as good as the Virgos are.