Pass Lab owners - Check in!

slowGEEZR

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2010
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Colorado Springs, CO
Cool. Thanks for the new forum Steve. Ok. How 'bout all the Pass Labs owners check in? I've got the Pass Labs XA-100.5s and the XP-20. I absolutely think they are great and one would have to spend considerably more to better them. I think they make my Watt Puppies sing.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
7,002
508
1,740
Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
Michael Fremer loved the XA-160's on his Watt/Puppies. That's one of the reasons I got mine. I have the XA .5 series as well, but using a Switchman 3 as a pre.
Would love to have the XP-30/25 though!
 

rbbert

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2010
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Reno, NV
INT-150 here
 

bblue

Well-Known Member
Apr 26, 2011
360
3
388
San Diego, CA
X250.5 (soon to be x350.5) and XP15 (dreaming for an XP25). Started out with Mr. Pass in 1976 with the Threshold 410a (I think that was the number).

--Bill
 

slowGEEZR

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2010
1,317
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Colorado Springs, CO
errr.... I have a Nelson Pass designed Adcom GFP-750 :)

Will that do?

Ha ha, sure. I just wanted to get a Pass Labs thread going, as there really aren't any that I could find on the web, except for a DIY site and a First Watt site. It's funny that all kinds of other manufacturers are represented on many sites, but never Pass Labs. I wonder if that is just because we're all very satisfied with Pass Labs gear?
 

slowGEEZR

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2010
1,317
70
968
72
Colorado Springs, CO
X250.5 (soon to be x350.5) and XP15 (dreaming for an XP25). Started out with Mr. Pass in 1976 with the Threshold 410a (I think that was the number).

--Bill

Nice! I want an XP25, too. I just got my amp and pre, so it will be a while before I convince SWMBO. I'm not in a big rush, as the BAT phono pre is doing a good job.
 

rbbert

Well-Known Member
Dec 12, 2010
3,820
239
1,000
Reno, NV
Ha ha, sure. I just wanted to get a Pass Labs thread going, as there really aren't any that I could find on the web, except for a DIY site and a First Watt site. It's funny that all kinds of other manufacturers are represented on many sites, but never Pass Labs. I wonder if that is just because we're all very satisfied with Pass Labs gear?

I have the impression that the most desired component change for a Pass Labs owner is to a better Pass Labs product...
 

Frank750

VIP/Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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That's where I'm headed!! ;)

I'm in the process of making a decision between the Pass XP30, XP25 and XS300 or Burmester 808 mk5, 911 mk3 and the 100 phono.
I've had tubes all my life but I'm completely fed up with the problems I have been experiencing. Mostly with the large tube amps, which shall go nameless but have also had some problems with the preamp as well.
The only solid state piece I've actually listened to above is the XP30, which is excellent. And while I've listened extensively to the XP30 with the Pass XA100.5 and found it be a great combination, going back to my large tube amps jumped the performance to another level. That is until another tube blew and the system was shut down again. That's why I'm considering the XS300 without ever hearing it. Trying to get as close as I can to the sound I get from the tube amps.
I was hoping member "vasago", who seems to have some experience with the XS300 would give us a little more information regarding his thoughts on the XS vs XA series.
 

rockitman

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2011
7,097
412
1,210
Northern NY
If you get an XS Frank...give us your impressions compared to the XA series. Dual chassis monoblocks are sexy...lol
Will Reno Hi-Fi give auditions on the XS series like they do with the other series ? For me, the XS 150 will be more than adequate for my X-2's
 

Frank750

VIP/Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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I'd be shocked if he had demo units at this point. Even if he did, I have a local dealer who I've done business with for years and would buy them through him.
I wouldn't want to use Reno HiFi for a demo and then give the business to someone else.
I don't know about you but I'm not crazy about the dual chassis. Way too much metal for me! Of course I'm not too crazy about the price either.
 

rockitman

Member Sponsor
Sep 20, 2011
7,097
412
1,210
Northern NY
Dual chassis is somewhat of an issue space wise. At least it's the same foot print just built upwards. I have to assume there is a significant sonic advantage to a dual chassis design. There would be no reason to do it otherwise. Pass isn't a bling manufacturer...
 

Frank750

VIP/Donor
Jul 8, 2011
821
1
928
Spending the weekend with the XP30 and XA100.5. If all goes well, I plan on ordering the XS300, XP30 and XP25 Monday. I was told 3-4 weeks for delivery.
 

flez007

Member Sponsor
Aug 31, 2010
2,915
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435
Mexico City
I HAD an X250 some years back, a great amp that drove my Avalon Eclipses fully!
 

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