I have the Pass Labs XA30.8. Running Avantgarde horns, this amp sounds EXCELLENT. Not sure how exactly to be poetic using audiophile terminology. With high sensitivity speakers, extreme quiet (hiss) is needed among other things, and these deliver. Other amps that I have tried with these high efficiency speakers did not work out well.
Careful that that Point 8 series will NOT fit in a standard audio rack. This was a serious issue for me that was solved by hefting this monster (very heavy) to the top of the rock. I literally used what would look like ancient egyptian techniques to get this monster up to the top of my very tall rack.
Hi Joe
Seems you have experience with the Devialet 400 and Pass Labs Xa 60.5. I was considering Devialet for my Sashas but thought they were organic sounding like the Pass Labs Xa series.
How does the Devialet 400 compare to the Xa 60.5?
Careful that that Point 8 series will NOT fit in a standard audio rack. This was a serious issue for me that was solved by hefting this monster (very heavy) to the top of the rock. I literally used what would look like ancient egyptian techniques to get this monster up to the top of my very tall rack.
I have the XA-30.5 and put it on a 4" maple platform that, itself, weighs 50 lbs. The platform has spikes that I have with Herbie's Gliders underneath to isolate it from the floor. This seemed better than putting it in a rack. The maple platform helps the amp sound it's best and I didn't have to lift it higher than a few inches.
I had the XA100.5's about 2 years ago. While I loved the mids and treble, the bass was overdone and a little too soft/flabby. While I have not personally heard the XA160.5, I'd choose it over the XA100.5 because I've heard from friends that it is more balanced and tighter overall in the bass.
Hi Joe
Seems you have experience with the Devialet 400 and Pass Labs Xa 60.5. I was considering Devialet for my Sashas but thought they were organic sounding like the Pass Labs Xa series.
How does the Devialet 400 compare to the Xa 60.5?
I am thinking about replacing my XA50.5's with the 60.8's. I have to say that I think the Devialet 400 has the edge over the 60.5's. It is extremely quiet and music emerges from complete blackness. The 60.5's may have a tiny bit more depth but the width and height is as good or, I think, even better on the D400. The Devialet is smooth and sweet with detail and clarity that you don't get from the 60.5's. Don't get me wrong, the XA60.5 are amazing but the power and package of the Devialet is so satisfying. There is no heat to speak of with the D400. This is very important in the summer. You really have to accept the D400 as a preamp, dac, phono stage and amp all in one. It's the entire system, not just an amp.
I have not. I don't plan on doing anything with the 60.5's until I can actually hear the point 8's in my system. I absolutely love my XA60.5's so much that I am afraid to sell them. Now that the point 5's are being discontinued, I think I will hang on to them. If I do anything, I will add a pair of point 8's.
I had the XA100.5's about 2 years ago. While I loved the mids and treble, the bass was overdone and a little too soft/flabby. While I have not personally heard the XA160.5, I'd choose it over the XA100.5 because I've heard from friends that it is more balanced and tighter overall in the bass.
Looks like I'm the 3rd one on this thread who's had the exact experience with XA100.5s. And while I wouldn't mind moving to the XA160.5 they are both cost and heat prohibitive for me. Lesson learned - I've found a new appreciation for my Wells Audio Inamorata which at less than 1/2 the price comes within 98% of the XA100.5s mids and high with much, much better bass control and detail. Sans space heater experience also.. YMMV
