Pass X350.8 In The House!

**MDP** · August 2, 2017, 06:05 PM

I've recently acquired this amazing amp from Mike.

Damn him!!!

He shipped it to me to demo and compare to my incredible Hegel H30.

While both are amazing amps and each one has it's strengths, the Pass has better synergy in my system.

I will get into more detail when I get back from vacation.

But I will say that this is the first amp I've preferred to the H30, which is world class!

**joeinid** · August 2, 2017, 06:12 PM

Congratulations Mark. It's a superb amp.

**Ritmo** · August 2, 2017, 06:15 PM

Congratulations Mark! Both amps are very, very good. Glad you have found Nirvana with the Pass 350.8.

**Mike** · August 2, 2017, 06:27 PM

Congrats Mark! I got another one. The X350.8 is the best stereo amp I've ever had in the store.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**RDSChicago** · August 2, 2017, 07:06 PM

Congrats!

**Kuoppis** · August 3, 2017, 01:24 AM

Congrats, great choice! After my positive experiences with the INT-60 this one is on my short list for audition.

I do like in particular the great imaging capabilities and sound stage of the Pass amps, along with the transparent top end.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Devg** · August 3, 2017, 02:06 AM

Apart from power, would there be sonic differences from its smaller brother 250.8 ?

**RichardA1** · August 3, 2017, 02:32 AM

Congrats on the new amp. I am still debating between this and the xa100.8 I hate decisions.

**Melbguy1** · August 3, 2017, 04:00 AM

Big congrats on your new Pass Labs amp Mark! That is a big purchase, so you should definitely crack open a nice wine to celebrate. The X350.8 by all reports is a very powerful & musical sounding amp. It is outputting around 700 watts @4 ohms, so it should take your Revels by the scruff and sound effortless.

Generally speaking, cone and dome speakers like ours tend to sound better the more power you throw at them. My next amp will putting out something like 600 watts @4 ohms in the real world with a lot of current, which should make my S5 Mk2's sing. Enjoy your new amp in good health

.

**Mike** · August 3, 2017, 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by Devg

Apart from power, would there be sonic differences from its smaller brother 250.8 ?

The 250.8 is a one notch warmer. The 350.8 is one notch sweeter. Both are excellent.

**Phil A** · August 3, 2017, 08:36 AM

Congrats. I have a friend who has a First Watt (I believe the F5) and needs more gain but has budget concerns and is looking at stuff (and I told him since he likes how his current amp sounds to keep looking at stuff in the same family. He now has me looking too (mostly for him at this point - going to go over his place soon as he is getting some used stuff to audition). Always curious about the Pass amps.

**Mike** · August 3, 2017, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Phil A

Congrats. I have a friend who has a First Watt (I believe the F5) and needs more gain but has budget concerns and is looking at stuff (and I told him since he likes how his current amp sounds to keep looking at stuff in the same family. He now has me looking too (mostly for him at this point - going to go over his place soon as he is getting some used stuff to audition). Always curious about the Pass amps.

Come and listen at my store!

**a.wayne** · August 3, 2017, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Phil A

Congrats. I have a friend who has a First Watt (I believe the F5) and needs more gain but has budget concerns and is looking at stuff (and I told him since he likes how his current amp sounds to keep looking at stuff in the same family. He now has me looking too (mostly for him at this point - going to go over his place soon as he is getting some used stuff to audition). Always curious about the Pass amps.

The First Watt stuff (F5) has a completly different sound and as Mike has Suggested, Best to head over to Shark Land, there's a fridge full of Beer , wine , snacks and comfy chairs waiting for you , it's best to pack some clothes and a tooth brush thou, 2 days go by fast , there's so much there to hear and Mike is still in the kid in a candy store phase and will play stuff for you all day if you let him ...

**a.wayne** · August 3, 2017, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

I've recently acquired this amazing amp from Mike.

Damn him!!!

He shipped it to me to demo and compare to my incredible Hegel H30.

While both are amazing amps and each one has it's strengths, the Pass has better synergy in my system.

I will get into more detail when I get back from vacation.

But I will say that this is the first amp I've preferred to the H30, which is world class!

The Pass has less power but much more class-A bias than the Hegel , so it would be interesting to hear more details on this like music choice and listening habits ..

Regards

**Phil A** · August 3, 2017, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

The First Watt stuff (F5) has a completly different sound and as Mike has Suggested, Best to head over to Shark Land, there's a fridge full of Beer , wine , snacks and comfy chairs waiting for you , it's best to pack some clothes and a tooth brush thou, 2 days go by fast , there's so much there to hear and Mike is still in the kid in a candy store phase and will play stuff for you all day if you let him ...

I'll be getting there at some point. Looking at amps for my friend started to peak my interest. At my age, the way things are going, I may not need a tooth brush (just had a couple of dental implants done on the upper left, had the upper right done last year).

**catmonv** · August 3, 2017, 10:20 AM

Soundwise, how does the x350.8 stereo amp differ to the x260.8 monoblocks?

**Mike** · August 3, 2017, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by catmonv

Soundwise, how does the x350.8 stereo amp differ to the x260.8 monoblocks?

This is where things start to differ (and add in the 600.8's into the mix). The monos are more neutral, more "typical" class AB sounding. They don't exhibit the sweetness or warmth of the stereo amps.

The funny thing is that every time I go to replace the X350.8 in the store (I've sold about 5 so far - and people keep taking my demo because it's already broken in!), I call Desmond at Pass. I keep saying "Desmond, should I get the 260.8 or 600.8 monos?" (I'm admittedly, a mono guy). His response is always the same "Not if you like the sound you have. If it ain't broke.....he then adds, the 350.8 is magic and if you want a little more warmth and don't need the power, get the 250.8." With a tube preamp, the 260.8/600.8's would need serious consideration, but I'm running the Vitus preamp.

**laynesaddiction** · August 3, 2017, 05:14 PM

Mark,

Another congratulations sent to you. I am more familiar with the Pass X350.5 as my wife and I used that amplifier for years. I still feel it was a giant killer and very few (to our ears) could compete within its price range. Given Pass' history, the X350.8 assuredly upped the ante on the X350.5 and I can't imagine how wonderful it sounds.

I am sure you will continue to be happy with it as it comes from awesome genes.

Congratulations again!

**Devg** · August 4, 2017, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

The 250.8 is a one notch warmer. The 350.8 is one notch sweeter. Both are excellent.

Thanks Mike. Heat wise, does 350.8 sweat more than 250.8 ? I have major concern on .8 heat generation as I have heard folks telling they sound excellent but sometimes the heat is intolerable.

**Mike** · August 4, 2017, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Devg

Thanks Mike. Heat wise, does 350.8 sweat more than 250.8 ? I have major concern on .8 heat generation as I have heard folks telling they sound excellent but sometimes the heat is intolerable.

It all depends on the size of your room. If you don't need the extra power, go with the X250.8. The X series doesn't put off as much heat as the XA series. I think, in most rooms, the X250.8 would be manageable. Personally, I don't have any issues with the X350.8 heat, but this is in the 19 x 25 room in the store.

**Ritmo** · August 4, 2017, 10:52 AM

I did visit with Mike at his store. Listened to the 350.8 and it sounds fantastic. I also touched the amp to check heat levels and it's not bad at all. My D'Agostino gets warmer. I would not defer on getting this amp due to heat concerns.

I would not install this amp, or any amp except for class D, in a cabinet without the appropriate space for it to breath and have air circulation.

**Mr Peabody** · August 4, 2017, 11:59 PM

Nice, look forward to more feedback.

Good input on comparisons.

My X250 was never hot, even when driven hard. I could get the top warm but I never experienced the heat like I hear some talk about. The amp did have open back and front, of cabinet when playing, with good space above the amp.

**tdimler** · August 5, 2017, 07:12 PM

Mark-- Very nice amp you got! I'm anxious on the differences vs. the Hegel...particularly with the Salon 2's which I have as well.

Mike-- Given your enthusiasm for the 350.8, I'll be interested to see how it stacks up against a similar Gryphon offering if you get one on hand.

Best...

Travis

**Mike** · August 5, 2017, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by tdimler

Mark-- Very nice amp you got! I'm anxious on the differences vs. the Hegel...particularly with the Salon 2's which I have as well.

Mike-- Given your enthusiasm for the 350.8, I'll be interested to see how it stacks up against a similar Gryphon offering if you get one on hand.

Best...

Travis

Travis - I will be very interested to see how it compares to the Gryphon too. I should have my Gryphon gear in September. The only new Gryphon gear in the U.S. is with the distributor as he needed to get things in and breaking in for RMAF.

**Kuoppis** · August 6, 2017, 02:45 PM

There are no - or at least I did not find any - YouTube videos of the Pass X350.8 playing.

Would any of the sharks who already are owners care to share a snippet?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**owldiscourse** · August 7, 2017, 08:58 AM

Congrats! I heard the 350.8 at a friends who has Magicos and it was SPECTACULAR. I liked it so much I literally had no choice and purchased one too! I literally liquidated my home theater to take a deep dive back into 2ch and this is the very first component down that path.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Alpinist** · August 7, 2017, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

I've recently acquired this amazing amp from Mike.

Damn him!!!

He shipped it to me to demo and compare to my incredible Hegel H30.

While both are amazing amps and each one has it's strengths, the Pass has better synergy in my system.

I will get into more detail when I get back from vacation.

But I will say that this is the first amp I've preferred to the H30, which is world class!

Mark,

Congratulations! The 350.8 is a wonderful sounding amp with all the power necessary to make your Salon 2's rock. A bonus is that it doesn't put out big heat like the XA.8 Series. For many reasons the 350.8 is my favorite Pass Labs amp.

Enjoy!
Ken

**Mike** · August 7, 2017, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

There are no - or at least I did not find any - YouTube videos of the Pass X350.8 playing.

Would any of the sharks who already are owners care to share a snippet?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I will record for you today. Let me move the S3 mk2's over to that room so you can get a really good idea. Any song preferences?

**Audiohippo** · August 7, 2017, 10:26 AM

Well done, great choice! They are awesome amplifiers.

**Kuoppis** · August 7, 2017, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

I will record for you today. Let me move the S3 mk2's over to that room so you can get a really good idea. Any song preferences?

Mike, you are incredible, really appreciate this.

In terms of music anything goes, but if you have some Duke Ellington or something with a good beat that would be nice.

So gentlemen, if this is not a full service forum and Suncoast Audio not the best destination for hi end audio I don't know what is. What say ye?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Melbguy1** · August 7, 2017, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Audiohippo

Well done, great choice! They are awesome amplifiers.

Yes, Mark has done very well!

**Mike** · August 7, 2017, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Mike, you are incredible, really appreciate this.

In terms of music anything goes, but if you have some Duke Ellington or something with a good beat that would be nice.

So gentlemen, if this is not a full service forum and Suncoast Audio not the best destination for hi end audio I don't know what is. What say ye?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks. I will get this done today for sure. Anything special you want to hear from Duke?

**Mike** · August 7, 2017, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Mike, you are incredible, really appreciate this.

In terms of music anything goes, but if you have some Duke Ellington or something with a good beat that would be nice.

So gentlemen, if this is not a full service forum and Suncoast Audio not the best destination for hi end audio I don't know what is. What say ye?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

https://youtu.be/iwDZFgkAtOc

https://youtu.be/LQ_xEF_I-w4

https://youtu.be/ldyToGekrdM

https://youtu.be/hdqSpsvbMgk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**joeinid** · August 7, 2017, 12:55 PM

**Mike** · August 7, 2017, 12:58 PM

Thanks Joe for fixing my links.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**joeinid** · August 7, 2017, 12:59 PM

**Kuoppis** · August 7, 2017, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Thanks. I will get this done today for sure.

Of course the magnificent Pass soundstaging is only conveyed in parts through the videos, but that amp has a great grip.

IMHO, that set is a killer combo.

Thanks a bunch Mike!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**BruceLet** · August 7, 2017, 01:47 PM

Pass 350.8 and Salons 2s....Such a great match. I am a gear flipper and every time I think about changing something, I come to my senses. Best amp and best speakers I have ever owned and a perfect combination.

**mikey8811** · August 8, 2017, 02:55 AM

I've always wondered about these videos of gear playing. Are you really able to tell how it really sounds like from them?

**Kuoppis** · August 8, 2017, 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by mikey8811

I've always wondered about these videos of gear playing. Are you really able to tell how it really sounds like from them?

I think there is only so much a video can convey, but on the other hand it can give an idea of certain aspects of the gear.

What I was particularly after was the PRaT, which I think can be conveyed to some extent. Exact tonality, soundstaging and imaging in turn can only be experienced in a live demo IMHO.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**joeinid** · August 8, 2017, 04:34 AM

I've found the videos are never a substitute for actually doing a demo. But, oftentimes, you can get a sense that a great system will shine through and make itself known. Bad recordings need to be discounted, but when it sounds good and the music is not dubbed in, it is a wonderful thing. Mike has sent us videos of his Avant-garde system and OMG, you know instantly how incredible it must be in real life.

**Dguitarnut** · August 16, 2017, 02:55 PM

Geeez Mike I hope my Pass Int60 and Magico S1mk2 grows into those in your pix!
Ummm which would you upgrade first?
Larry

**Kuoppis** · August 16, 2017, 03:06 PM

Go for the X350.8 first and tell me how it is

.

I am happy to share my experiences with the S3 mk2.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Mike** · August 16, 2017, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

Geeez Mike I hope my Pass Int60 and Magico S1mk2 grows into those in your pix!
Ummm which would you upgrade first?
Larry

The speakers. You should hear the S3 mk2 in the small room. WOW!

**Kuoppis** · August 16, 2017, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

The speakers. You should hear the S3 mk2 in the small room. WOW!

You know I'm biased Mike

. I tried to be neutral, but you know I love the mk2s. They're a different ballgame.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Mike** · August 16, 2017, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

You know I'm biased Mike

. I tried to be neutral, but you know I love the mk2s. They're a different ballgame.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I totally agree. I think Larry needs a pair of S3 mk2's, don't you agree?

**Kuoppis** · August 16, 2017, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

I totally agree. I think Larry needs a pair of S3 mk2's, don't you agree?

I am convinced he would not be disappointed. The goodies developed for the M Pro and now trickling down into the mk2 are just mind bogglingly good. IMHO Magico have outdone themselves.

In case of interest, he might want to have a look at the unboxing of the Magico S3 mk2 thread, where also people who do own the mk2s for longer than I do have shared their experiences.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Dguitarnut** · August 16, 2017, 04:02 PM

Lemme see.....already sold a kidney.....which testicle ya think would bring more money?
Nobody needs more than 3 children.
Yeah speakers would make the biggest difference. I have read the unboxing thread more than once already.
Thanks for stoking the fire of desire!
Larry

**Kuoppis** · August 16, 2017, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Dguitarnut

Lemme see.....already sold a kidney.....which testicle ya think would bring more money?
Nobody needs more than 3 children.
Yeah speakers would make the biggest difference. I have read the unboxing thread more than once already.
Thanks for stoking the fire of desire!
Larry

I hear you, I want the amp but just forked out the moolah for the speakers

.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Mikado463** · September 13, 2017, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

This is where things start to differ (and add in the 600.8's into the mix). The monos are more neutral, more "typical" class AB sounding. They don't exhibit the sweetness or warmth of the stereo amps.

I totally disagree, I have the X260.8's driving my Revel Studio II's and if anything they are less 'sterile' than the 350.8 IMO.

Remember this, the 260.8 amps are biased into Class A operation further than any of the other Pass A/B amps with the exception of the big '600'

Thread: Pass X350.8 In The House!