Pass Labs Point 5 Series Will Be Discontinued Sept. 1, 2015

[Alpinist]

Reno Hi-Fi has posted on their website that the Pass Labs Point 5 Series will be discontinued on Sept. 1, 2015. They have also posted on their website that there will be a Point 8 Series price increase on Sept. 1, 2015. There is no change in price or production planned for the XP Series Preamps or the XS Series. Check out their website for further details.

Pass Labs In Stock

[watercourse]

Except the INT-30A based on the XA30.5 (and the INT-150) will still be available on special order after Sept 1, 2015 at a price increase.

[joeinid]

Oh boy, that gives me a little more time to get the Xs-150's

[watercourse]

:-)

[kkfan]

Oh boy, that gives me a little more time to get the Xs-150's

Why not go directly for the new INT-250?

[rbbert]

Why not go directly for the new INT-250?

There's a pretty substantial price difference for one thing

[joeinid]

Actually, a pair of XA60.8's could be nice and certainly more than enough.

[kkfan]

There's a pretty substantial price difference for one thing

Too true!

[Alpinist]

Actually, a pair of XA60.8's could be nice and certainly more than enough.

Joe,

You would seriously love the XA-60.8's. In my opinion, they are more transparent, the imaging is more holographic, they have more robust bass, they deliver more current and they reach optimal performance in a shorter period of time than the XA-60.5's. The only drawback is more heat output because they are more heavily biased into Class A but the plus is the vertical heatsinks do a much better job of dissipating the heat more effectively as well as evenly.

Best,
Ken

[joeinid]

Thanks Ken,

I am seriously considering them late this summer so I'll have them for the fall.

I love the 60.5's so I am sure the .8's will be better.

Joe,

You would seriously love the XA-60.8's. In my opinion, they are more transparent, the imaging is more holographic, they have more robust bass, they deliver more current and they reach optimal performance in a shorter period of time than the XA-60.5's. The only drawback is more heat output because they are more heavily biased into Class A but the plus is the vertical heatsinks do a much better job of dissipating the heat more effectively as well as evenly.

Best,
Ken

[Alpinist]

Thanks Ken,

I am seriously considering them late this summer so I'll have them for the fall.

I love the 60.5's so I am sure the .8's will be better.

Joe,

That's awesome, definitely something to look forward to later this year. One thing I would recommend is doing the 10-day demo with Reno Hi-Fi. The overwhelming majority that have tried the Point 8 Series prefer them to the equivalent Point 5 Series amps. However, I did have one friend who demoed the XA-100.8's but preferred his XA-100.5's, so he ended up sticking with them. There was some question on his part if the XA-100.8's had sufficient break-in, they need A LOT of break-in! You'll need to run them 24/7 for the entire demo period to ensure they're fully burned in. My XA-100.8's were a demo pair and whoever had them previously must have really broken them in because they sounded phenomenal from day one.

Best,
Ken

[joeinid]

Thanks Ken. I am looking forward to the new Pass flavor. I'll probably hang onto my 60.5's. The peak summer months for me will not be Pass-able (Ha!) so that's where the Devialet comes in handy.

[Alpinist]

Thanks Ken. I am looking forward to the new Pass flavor. I'll probably hang onto my 60.5's. The peak summer months for me will not be Pass-able (Ha!) so that's where the Devialet comes in handy.

Joe,

An amp for all seasons, I love it!

Ken

[joeinid]

Joe,

An amp for all seasons, I love it!

Ken

[The Sandman]

There was some question on his part if the XA-100.8's had sufficient break-in, they need A LOT of break-in! You'll need to run them 24/7 for the entire demo period to ensure they're fully burned in.

Actually, the recommended break-in procedure is to leave the amps on continuously for the first 5 days, then turn them completely off each night (not standby) and on during the day for the next 5 days. They sound much better once they cold cycle a few times.

[Alpinist]

Actually, the recommended break-in procedure is to leave the amps on continuously for the first 5 days, then turn them completely off each night (not standby) and on during the day for the next 5 days. They sound much better once they cold cycle a few times.

Hi Howard,

You are absolutely right. I had totally forgotten this recommended break-in procedure. This is the best way to go.

Best,
Ken

[CPP]

I'm really contemplating picking up a xa30.5 ( so many used units out there for under $2500 ) for my small office and feeding via a Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

[joeinid]

Chris,

That is not a bad idea, getting the XA30.5, especially if the power level is fine for you. My XA60.5's are superb on my Strads. I am glad that I have them. Plus, these .5 series amps run about one half as hot as the equivalent point 8 series amps.

[BlueFox]

Joe, good point about the heat. I read the X600.8 were biased more into class A than the X600.5, and the .5 are killers in both heat, and electric bills.

[Alpinist]

Amplifier Watts* Amplifier Watts*
-------------------------------------
X-150.5 200 X-150.8 375
X-260.5 200 X-260.8 375
X-250.5 300 X-250.8 450
X-350.5 600 X-350.8 550
X-600.5 600 X-600.8 550

XA-30.5 200 XA-30.8 375
XA-60.5 200 XA-60.8 375
XA-100.5 300 XA-100.8 450
XA-160.8 600 XA-160.8 550
XA-200.5 700 XA-200.8 750

* Watts Consumed/Dissipated Per Amp

[slowikpl]

Guys are those amplifiers unavailable? I'm willing to Sell my XA 60.8 and buy the XA160.5 and do not see anything about that it won't be available on the Pass site.

[Alpinist]

Deleted.

[Mike]

ARGH!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rbbert]

Guys are those amplifiers unavailable? I'm willing to Sell my XA 60.8 and buy the XA160.5 and do not see anything about that it won't be available on the Pass site.

http://renohifi.com/PassInStock.htm

[ddb71]

Hello slowikpl ,

I have on the web (audiomakrt) that you will sell the XA60.8 and replace it with the XA160.5.

Why? the ,8 serie dont give you satisfaction? a XA100.8 is not enout (you have a speaker easy to drive ad the 60.8 or 100.8 are more as enough!!

thank you for reply

greets


The poin is that the .5 serie like more vs the .8 or what?

[slowikpl]

Hello slowikpl ,

I have on the web (audiomakrt) that you will sell the XA60.8 and replace it with the XA160.5.

Why? the ,8 serie dont give you satisfaction? a XA100.8 is not enout (you have a speaker easy to drive ad the 60.8 or 100.8 are more as enough!!

thank you for reply

greets


The poin is that the .5 serie like more vs the .8 or what?

Hello.

Well. I have a Aleph X and had .5 in the past. The .5 are not like the .8
.8 are very neutral in sound and very very detailed and fast in sound.
I prefer the .5 because they are sounding like Tube amplifier. Not as fast as .8 but warm in sound compared to .8.

My speakers are very transparant and hard sounding (,accuton plus duelund CAST capacitors ) perfect match for Tube like sound.

The .8 are better imho! Beter and bigger stage, super tight Bass. But my preference is Warm midrange combine with my speakers.

I hoop this is now clear?

Regards Robert

So my 60.8 are for sale. And i go to bank thate mortgage and buy the XA 160.5

I could go for the XA 200.5 used for the same price but if it's true ,can someone confirm this: 100.5 and 200.5 are more Tube like and 60.5 and 160.5 are little bit more neutral in sound?

Other thing is that 200.5 is much more heat, I think.

[ddb71]

Hello.

Well. I have a Aleph X and had .5 in the past. The .5 are not like the .8
.8 are very neutral in sound and very very detailed.
I prefer the .5 because they are sounding like Tube amplifier. Not as fast as .8 and warm in sound.

My speakers are very transparant and hard sounding so perfect match for Tube like sound.

The .8 are better imho! Beter and bigger stage, super tight Bass.

I hoop this is now clear?

Regards Robert

Ok, sure I understand.

at this pint the XA100.5 are more as enough, sure today a pair XA160.5 you can have for a good price....

in Polnad is not present a dealer for GrandiNote amplifier? I have listen GrandiNote amplifier and preampli-> are very very great.

If I sell my Pass I go with the GrandiNote. if a step up vs. Pass!!!! no way! pre Domino with 2 monos Demone (60Watt class A but are more from 100watt class A from Pass!!, you cn drive any, really any speaker with 60 GREAT CLASS A pure WATT)


to listen, remember!!!!

[Audioseduction]

I heard the XA160.5 sounds best in the .5 series. So that's what I have. Never giving them up!

[BlueFox]

I have to go with what Pass says about the X600.5

"Perhaps the most satisfying of the x.5 line in all sonic respects. Very high current monoblock amplifier for exceptional dynamic control, very articulate with very good spectral balance."

[Alpinist]

I heard the XA160.5 sounds best in the .5 series. So that's what I have. Never giving them up!

I agree George. The XA-160.5 are my favorite Pass Labs amps after the XS-150. And that's saying something! Hold onto them. A future classic.

Best,
Ken

[ddb71]

and the "old" XA160 are so different from the 160.5 ?

sure the .5 is a killer amplifier but the 160 "simple" can give satisfaction again today?

(especially if purchased today for a 5-6 k. $$$)!!!


or Not?

[slowikpl]

I'm familiar with the. 5 serie and i love the sound of it. So for me the .5 is the way.

[Mike]

I've owned several amps in the XA.5 series, had the pleasure of borrowing a XA100.8 (broken in) and currently have the XS150's. The XA.5 is great, especially the XA160.5. The XA.8 series is different, and in some ways better, but takes a long time to break in and hit its potential. It's a sweeter sound with tighter bass. The XA.5 series is a warmer, very tube/SET like sound, with what I would call "puffy" bass - just like some great tube amps. The appeal of the XA.5 series will never go away for many. I certainly loved my XA160.5's.

As for the XS, the take the best of the XA.5 and best of the XA.8 series and add a little extra too.

[slowikpl]

I have now the XA 60.8 for about 3 months. All i can say that I don't hear any sweetness from it's presentations. And they have more than 1000 hrs of burning in.
So I personally don't think that the sweetness ever will be in amounts that I'm looking for. Or I'm wrong!?

They are better in bass and the stage laying.

[Mike]

I have now the XA 60.8 for about 3 months. All i can say that I don't hear any sweetness from it's presentations. And they hame more than 1000 hrs of burning in.
They are better in bass and the stage laying.
So I personally don't think that the sweetness ever will be in amounts that I'm looking for. Or I'm wrong!?

What preamp are you using? What cables?

The one I had was the XA100.8.

[slowikpl]

I have Pass XP 20 and Klotz 5000 DIY XLR cables. Full copper.
I had Mogami but this was a disaster. No mids.

[Mike]

I have Pass XP 20 and Klotz 5000 DIY XLR cables. Full copper.
I had Mogami but this was a disaster. No mids.

With the REF6 coming out, there are some great deals on a REF5SE and if you can squeeze it out money wise, Siltech 500i Classic anniversary speaker cables would add some sweetness.

[dfwmediagroup]

I recently had the opportunity to try a friend's X250.8 in my system, which features Focal Scala V2 speakers and my existing Accuphase C2420 preamp. Well, in the final analysis, there's good and bad to report. First, the good: 1.) Very solid powerful bass 2.) Excellent detail 3.) Spacious, large sound stage 4.) Exciting dynamics 5.) Very quiet background 6.) Quiet transformer and heat sinks. And now the bad: 1.) slightly scooped out, recessed midrange 2.) frequency extremes in the bass and treble are boosted 3.) upper midrange and treble are thin 4.) some harshness on less than perfect discs. Overall, a very impressive piece of work for the money. However, Pass missed the mark by a smidgen, particularly in the treble region, which is a real shame because most of the rest of it works well. For my personal tastes, I prefer a more fleshed out, rounded midrange and could do with a bit less bass and treble. I've never really heard anything quite like the X250.8 in my 30 years of audiophile experience. The amp is definitely not linear in it's frequency response. But most of the time, it's fun to listen to. Not sure if it would wear well over time though.

[Mike]

I think if you're going Pass, the magic is in the XA/XS series. The X series sounds good and can deliver a lot of power to inefficient speakers, but if you have even half way efficient speakers - the XA/XS is where the good stuff lives. YMMV.

[ddb71]

at Mike,

I had a pre ARC ref5se with the XA100.8: I odnt like this combo. -> sold the ARC ref5se and again a XP20, now I go see t replace the Pass XP20 with a GrandiNote Domino preampli that with the Magnetosolid® construction system sound amazing. I have tried this pre with VTL, ARC REFse, REF10 nd REF40 , Pass XP30...but no way: this Domino is a step up. (GrandiNOte was present in Las Vegas CEDIA, in Monaco MOC trade show,...)


Tubes or Semiconductors? Magnetosolid®.
The name of this technology borns from the combination of "ferromagnetic" with "solid state".
Solid-state components are used in typical circuits for tube amplifiers..
We managed to combine the advantages of solid state and tube amplifiers, overcoming their respective limitations.
The result is a tight, precise and dynamic sound, yet gentle, airy, warm and pleasant: natural.
All polarizations are in Class A and without feedback.
All low signal stages are direct coupled: without capacitors.
For every device, we use a dedicated indipendent power supply circuit.
Each component is carefully selected.
When you listen Grandinote, you forget to listen tubes, you forget to listen solid-state, you listen only music.

A refinement of Magnetosolid® technology is represented by the use of precious ferromagnetic components capable of bringing the listener the entire slightest nuances of the musical message, combined with a disarming naturalness
This new technology has created a new line calledMagnetosolid-VHP; the excellence we believe in sound reproduction

.5 serie XA is a very good "tube sound" amplifie...make pleasure, listen with a lot of details at very low volume too well a lovely sound.

the .8 is more "fast",sound more "modern" as Pass roduct sound very detailed (but a little minus from the .5), the LF are better comtrolled and the Mid&HF are "different vs the XA100.5 (now I use the XA100.8)


at dfvmediagroup the X250.8 like the X250.5 is sure a great amplifer. (in the 250.5 the sound was very good and was better vs. the 350.5)
sure your A70 Accuphase is another world and sound vs. the Pass 250.8, and you have a C24220 as pre! Preampli from Accu are expecially with Accu amplifier a jewels to listen each little details but with the Pass I dont know.....PLUS the Accuphase C24020 dont math with the Pass via XLR for the phase inverted. (2 hot -> Pass and 2 cold in Accuphase gear)


at the end if I sell the XA100.8 i go with GrandiNote mono ampli Demone or always and again with a class A amplifier.

PS: I have found pair of XA160 (no .5) for a very great price (6k. $!! maybe listen and as extra with the XA100.8 they ca be a bargain....

[dfwmediagroup]

at Mike,

I had a pre ARC ref5se with the XA100.8: I odnt like this combo. -> sold the ARC ref5se and again a XP20, now I go see t replace the Pass XP20 with a GrandiNote Domino preampli that with the Magnetosolid® construction system sound amazing. I have tried this pre with VTL, ARC REFse, REF10 nd REF40 , Pass XP30...but no way: this Domino is a step up. (GrandiNOte was present in Las Vegas CEDIA, in Monaco MOC trade show,...)

Tubes or Semiconductors? Magnetosolid®.
The name of this technology borns from the combination of "ferromagnetic" with "solid state".
Solid-state components are used in typical circuits for tube amplifiers..
We managed to combine the advantages of solid state and tube amplifiers, overcoming their respective limitations.
The result is a tight, precise and dynamic sound, yet gentle, airy, warm and pleasant: natural.
All polarizations are in Class A and without feedback.
All low signal stages are direct coupled: without capacitors.
For every device, we use a dedicated indipendent power supply circuit.
Each component is carefully selected.
When you listen Grandinote, you forget to listen tubes, you forget to listen solid-state, you listen only music.

A refinement of Magnetosolid® technology is represented by the use of precious ferromagnetic components capable of bringing the listener the entire slightest nuances of the musical message, combined with a disarming naturalness
This new technology has created a new line calledMagnetosolid-VHP; the excellence we believe in sound reproduction

.5 serie XA is a very good "tube sound" amplifie...make pleasure, listen with a lot of details at very low volume too well a lovely sound.

the .8 is more "fast",sound more "modern" as Pass roduct sound very detailed (but a little minus from the .5), the LF are better comtrolled and the Mid&HF are "different vs the XA100.5 (now I use the XA100.8)


at dfvmediagroup the X250.8 like the X250.5 is sure a great amplifer. (in the 250.5 the sound was very good and was better vs. the 350.5)
sure your A70 Accuphase is another world and sound vs. the Pass 250.8, and you have a C24220 as pre! Preampli from Accu are expecially with Accu amplifier a jewels to listen each little details but with the Pass I dont know.....PLUS the Accuphase C24020 dont math with the Pass via XLR for the phase inverted. (2 hot -> Pass and 2 cold in Accuphase gear)


at the end if I sell the XA100.8 i go with GrandiNote mono ampli Demone or always and again with a class A amplifier.

PS: I have found pair of XA160 (no .5) for a very great price (6k. $!! maybe listen and as extra with the XA100.8 they ca be a bargain....

I had the phase inverted through the entire system to Hot Pin #2 when the Pass was here. The switches on Accuphase allow you to do that, so there was no phase mismatch.

[ddb71]

Sorry... and a question DP550 with Pass is a good macth for you?

[dfwmediagroup]

The DP-550 is a great cd player with absolutely balanced performance. Like I said, the Pass X series is not a good match in my system. It may work better in a system with more mellow tweeters.

[slowikpl]

I have ordered brand new XA 160.5 It will be delivered end of December. I`m so happy with this. The dealer arrange a trade with my XA 60.8 and hope it will be my last AMP for many , many Years

I will report on it vs 60.8 sound signature and will drive those with XP20 and my new DAC Aqua la Scala MKII. Exciting time ahead.
Next step will be cables. Many use Transparent Audio cables with Pass Gear,so I'm going to hunt at local stores.

[Alpinist]

I have ordered brand new XA 160.5 It will be delivered end of December. I`m so happy with this. The dealer arrange a trade with my XA 60.8 and hope it will be my last AMP for many , many Years

I will report on it vs 60.8 sound signature and will drive those with XP20 and my new DAC Aqua la Scala MKII. Exciting time ahead.
Next step will be cables. Many use Transparent Audio cables with Pass Gear,so I'm going to hunt at local stores.

Congratulations!!! Where were you able to find new ones? You will never regret this move. These are truly wonderful amps that are destined to be a classic. The XA-160.5's are my favorite of the XA.5 series because, in my opinion, they have enough power to drive almost any speakers, they are the most accurate sounding of the XA.5 series, yet they retain the warmth and organic musicality of the XA.5 series.

Best of luck,
Ken

[Alpinist]

I have ordered brand new XA 160.5 It will be delivered end of December. I`m so happy with this. The dealer arrange a trade with my XA 60.8 and hope it will be my last AMP for many , many Years

I will report on it vs 60.8 sound signature and will drive those with XP20 and my new DAC Aqua la Scala MKII. Exciting time ahead.
Next step will be cables. Many use Transparent Audio cables with Pass Gear,so I'm going to hunt at local stores.

If you decide to go with Transparent Audio cables, bite the bullet on the price and go at least to the Reference level cables because everything from the Reference level on up are custom tuned for your system, which makes a big difference. What is the rest of your system by the way?

Best,
Ken

[slowikpl]

My dealer said that he was able put special order at the distributor in Poland. I think there are some pieces left in Europe. Pass has stopped to produce those.
Other information I got from the dealer is that Pass was willing assemble another XA 160.5 . But I can't believe that because Pass Labs had email me that .5 was not available anymore.

Does anybody knows if the .5 are possibility to adjust the wand on the meters at the front like on the .8 series at the back L and M holes?