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Pass Labs A/B amps vs Class A amp and Actual Power

Dumb question; how can you compare the actual power or ability of an amp to drive a tough load (such as a Magnepan) when looking at a Pass Labs A/B design such as the X250.5 or X350.5 vs one of the full class A amps like the XA60.5 and XA100.5? For example, which amps would (from a standpoint of just pure power/grunt) drive 3.6's better, an X350.5 or a XA60.5?
stickman451

Showing 2 responses by teajay

teajay
1,655 posts
 
I have had both amps/monoblocks in my system driving my biamped 20's. I loved the 350.5, until I heard the XA-100's and now have the XA-60.5's which sound beautiful in my system. So, pure power/grunt, is not the issue, in my opinion, the 60.5's will have enough juice and still make your 3.6's sing on a higher level then a 350.5. Take a look at my reviews here on the GON for details on all the above mentioned Pass Labs amps. Nelson is a true genius.
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Stickman51, I would suggest having at least mininumly a foot and a half off the side walls. You could always put the Ribbon tweeters on the inside to avoid sidewall distortion. The space between the 20.1's should at least be five to six feet apart between the inside edge of the speakers. My 20's were set up this way in my old place and they still sounded great, now I have them more then six feet off the side walls and about nine feet apart and they sound even better. Hope this helps.

Remember, you want at least four to six feet off the front wall behind the 20.1's so they can breath.
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