Class A\B or D for summer months (vs Class A)

Thanks for the time & replies.

Encouraging news on the XA25\AHB2 direct comparison. Also great to get some alternative amplifier options to pull up and review.

The room AC isn't a drastic or large comfort issue. It's just noticeable to have the heat from the amp rising from the rack as the cool air comes in from the ceiling. 

I'm sure there's a small itch to try some new gear, and I'm still evaluating the purchase heavily. The Pass amp & pre are really delivering. It's nice to test & learn, and there always seems to be some lost time and cash involved when things don't meet expectations.

@tbac23 I listen to a class D amp year round. I'd put it up against any Pass Labs amp with no worries. It replaced a set of class A tube monoblocks and I've not had any reason to look back.

But you might also consider that if your amp makes heat there's a simple way to move it out of the room without air conditioning. If you can place a vent in the ceiling above the amp, you can used dryer hose and a small fan to vent warm air out of the house. That's a lot cheaper than air conditioning. Works best if the vent is directly above the amp.

I agree with keep your amp (I'm a Pass XA owner) ands work on a/c ventilation issues, it could be rather simple...for myself, and everyone I know, Pass and Benchmark sound quite different...though some do prefer Benchmark...

@tbac23, I had in-room heating issues in the summer with my XA30.8 and swapped to the (very) cool running AtmaSphere Monos and I found the sound signature between the two amps to be very similar.  e.g. no fatigue, nice midrange centric presentation with lots of midrange texture.   The Coda S5.5 with 50w Class A runs cool compared to the XA30.8 at least and is more neutral and resolving to my ears (and way more dynamic), but is likely out of your specified price range.   I also owned an AHB2, and although I liked it, at least compared to the warm and cozy XA30.8 I didn't think it was that similar sonically.   I've never heard the XA25, but if it is less warm and more resolving than the XA30.8, then at least it would like be closer in signature to the Benchmark.   

I went through the same process with the addition of tube replacement cost and weight.  I ended up with AGD Audions. I could not be happier.  I did retain my Cary SLP 05 tube preamp.  I would consider a used pair of AGD’s or Atmosphere class D amps.   Try to here before you make a final decision.