Pass Labs X600.5 or a Pair of Classe Omicron's?

Teajay,
I see some adds where you can trade up the X600's to X600.5's for $6K. This is the upgrade I was writting about. I believe Audio-Video Logic has this deal. I would think for $6K the improvement should be as significant as the price difference. It would then be a $12K venture. Still a savings off retail. I've heard nothing but great things about the Omicron. For the most part I've heard all good things about the X600's with a couple of folks saying they were a bit dry. I would think source, cabling and speakers might make a huge differnce in that opinion. I know Classe's sound. I have a CA-201. Great little amp. Warm and and liquid, nice base extension. Can't help but think the Omicron will sound great. Have you ever found the X600's to be dry? BTW, I'll look at the Accoustic Zen review and cables - thanks.

-Doc

Tpsonic,

The CP-65 is really a world class pre. I've heard it in a few differnt systems and it never fails to delight. Granted there are finer pre's out there. I think the CP-65 is pretty neutral. Perhaps adds a touch of warmth. I'm purchasing an APL 3910 (can't wait) and I plan on A/Bing it with and without the CP-65. From all accounts, for $6K this CDP is in the $15K to $20 class in sonics. I think the A/B will be very revealing if the CP-65 has any faults. I'd go preless except I need a complete front end for my HT to play through (I still may be able to pull this off because I'm having analog inputs installed on the APL 3910). Of course, I want to get back into vinyl with a nice analog rig some time soon and that means a pre. Nothing is ever simple, but it's all good! :)

Hmmm, this is tough choice, but's it's a fun choice. I really do love this hobby.

I do wan't more power. My dedicated HT room is 22x36x10. I have found myself wishing for and not having the power to produce the volume I've wanted with the CA-201 and Legacy Focus 20/20's. Yes, the CA-201 was pushing 400W with the 20/20's being 4 ohm, but I still couldn't get that "Oh my God, this is insane, but it sounds so good" volume going. The other thing about the CA-201 was it had a small sweet spot and lower volumes were out of it. I'm hoping either of these two, the X600's or the Omicrons will have a much broader sweet spot. I'm thinking I may have to buy both of these to audition both and then sell the one I can live without. I'm in Baghdad, Iraq right now. I'll be home in December for a few weeks and the plan is to have all my new gear waiting for me. It'll be nice to trade the sounds of gunfire, choppers, tanks and explosions for sweet, sweet music. Ahhh, can hardly wait.