XA 30.5 or mod S/500?

I've been watching the 'Gon fruitlessly for some time to get a Threshold S/500, "late Series II w/Optical Bias" (per Jon Soderberg, this is what he needs in order to do his modification to produce a Class A one-chassis SA/1 "clone" [my word, not his]). I'm beginning to wonder if a Pass XA 30.5 might not be equivalent or better sounding; I know they're easier to find. Unless I get lucky and find an already-Soderberg-ed S/500, the cost of amp and mod might even be approaching the price of a used XA 30.5(?). Either amp will be used with a FET 9 preamp. Speakers are currently Vandersteen 2CEs, but contemplating future purchase of 3A Sigs, or Maggie 3.6s, and a REL sub. Anyone heard SA/1s AND heard XA 30.5? Thanks.