Pass XA60.5's or Cary CAD 500 MB for Maggie 1.7?


I recently passed the 200 hour break-in of my new Maggie 1.7's using all sorts of different mid-fi SS amps and am now trying to decide which hi-end amps to pair with them.

My room is relatively small, 12' x 14' x 10', and I listen primarily to acoustic guitar, female vocals, jazz etc at what a friend refers to as polite listening levels, usually no more than 85db. I've read many threads here as regards the "best" amps for Maggies, and it's come down to a decision between these two.

I love the midrange purity of class "A" amps, but also crave deep (for Maggies), tight and controlled bass. Thus my choice of these 2 amps. I suppose an amp that combined the best of both would be ideal.

While my room is air-conditioned, I sometimes close the door to keep other household noises to a minimum, and wonder if either or both of these amps may put out too much heat, making the room uncomfortable. I live in Dallas where it routinely is 100+ degrees in the summer, but the air-conditioning keeps it a comfortable 75 degrees indoors.

As for sonics, I know Macdadtexas favors the Cary's, and Teajay the Pass. I'd especially be interested in the opinions of anyone who might have heard both of these amps with Maggie's. And certainly any opinions on either of these amps is welcome.

Thanks in advance for your input.
kenl

Showing 3 responses by kenl

Hasse - Thanks for the link. I also read this review and that's what got me interested in Pass. Did you actually buy a pair of XA100.5's?
Thanks guys. Appreciate the input. Yes, the Pass XA60.5's are expensive, so I'll need to find a good deal on a used pair. I'd prefer to go with monoblocks, and love Class A, thus my preference over the X150.5.

The Cary's seem to be hard to find, so that's the downside there. However, I think I may just wait for a pair to come up on Agon, unless a really good deal on a pair of XA60.5's presents itself.
Thanks everyone. Earlier today I purchased the pair of Pass XA60.5's that have been listed here on Agon. The seller made me a very good deal, and I'm picking them up on Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to hearing them in my system. I just wish I had a room like that in the video. Cool set-up.