Pass Labs xa - .5 amps

I am also looking at purchasing a Pass XA-30.5. Anyone have thoughts or experience with a Conrad Johnson ACT 2.1 and the Dynaudio Sapphires? Sapphires are rated sensitivity specified as 88dB/2.83V/m. Room is small in nature 11 X 13 X 9.

Also, I'd like some thoughts on moving from a Sim Audio Titan to this particular amp for 2 channel listening. If anyone would care to comment I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Charles

03-07-09: Audiofeil
"Based on my experience I don't agree."

Thanks for providing feedback gentlemen. Actually, I do not listen at high volumes, yet at the same time, it would be better to have more headroom then a lack of it??

The mono blocks (60.5 through 200.5) are out of question due to floor space constraints. If the XA 30.5 will not drive the speakers appropriately, then I would be better off with a 250 X250.5 or the 300 series?? Different flavor of amp I assume?

I am currently using a Sim Titan 7 channel. Do you gentlemen think the Pass would be worth the upgrade or would the Sim to the Pass be a lateral move?

Spatine,

Thank you for the detailed and informative analysis of the Pass XA 60.5. Posts such as you write are extremely helpful for someone like me. As Tvad has stated, the best case scenario is to bring these amps into your home and audition them to experience their synergy with your room and equipment. Unfortunately unless we are blessed with a local, extremely accommodating dealer, or have the luxury of large funds, many times it's reading posts such as yours that can provide some clarity in a decision making process.

Thanks again!!

Tvad,
Funds are always an issue in my case. I consider the Pass product line because I have another piece of equipment that I can trade or sell to use as some of the funds for the purchase. Thank you for the tip on Reno HiFi

Spatine,
You are correct about the price of the 60.5's and yes, they are costly no doubt. I understand your comment about proper equipment, cables and isolation devices and wasting money on an amp that does not fit into the entire synergy of the complete system. Getting everything right is part of the process no doubt.

I will contact Reno Hi-Fi. Honestly, I am still sifting through various questions in my mind and will make a decision in the next few days.

I've never owned a Class A only amp. I've had A/B's and D's. I know the Class A gets rather hot, but only from others comments about them. When they are in standby mode, do they generate a tremendous amount of heat or once they are powered on, the heat increases substantially?

Mozvz, I responded earlier when you asked about the CJ ACT 2s synergy with the Pass. In a word, wonderful.

With the 100.5's on the Maggies now, I moved the 30.5 into my home office as an experiment. I've had the Cain and Cain Super Abbys in there for several years now and always got the best out of them with tube amps, especially SET's. The Abbys are a single driver/no crossover/fostex kind of speaker. Solid state made them sound hard and actually lose bass. Pass Labs and Mark at Renohifi both thought the 30.5 would pair nicely. I didn't think so. I was wrong. I'm listening to them now as I type. In three words: beautiful, relaxed and detailed. The XA30.5 is really a sweet amp.

Based on what you've said so far, I think you would be very happy with it.

Onemug,

Thank you for the updated information. I am still sifting through the choices with different scenarios in an equipment change/s.

It's also good to know the single ended connections are not any different then the balanced if I keep my CJ Act 2. Thanks Tvad..

Tvad,

Understood on your correction comment about the single ended and balanced having MINIMAL differences. I was NOT trying to take your words and place them in a misconstrued context as it came across in my post. Apology extend.

Minimal Differences.. Minimal Differences..