Which Pass Labs amp is better for my WA speaker?

[MM622]

I ‘m using a 6 years olds Electrocompaniet AW-180 Mono-block and ARC Ref 6 per-amp with my Wilson Audio Sophia 3 speaker now. I’m planning to buy a new amp to replace my AW-180 this year. My target is either Pass Labs 260.8 Mono or X350.8 stereo, which one you think is better for my Sophia 3? Some of my friend encourage me to get 360.8, the reason is not only this amp has more power but I don’t need to buy a new amp if I upgrade my Sophia 3 to Sahsha 1/2 (My plan in next year ...maybe....I hope). But someone said 260.8 has better analytical, more details and imaging. It should have enough power to drive Shasha. So which amp you think is a better choice for me in the long-run? My listening area is not big, about 220 square feet. And I only listen to Jazz music, especially U.S. and European contemporary Jazz. thx.

[MM622]

Any input? THX

[Mike]

X350.8


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[Mikado463]

I own the X260.8's and thought about the '350' but liked dealing with two 90# amps better ! Either choice (mono blocks or the stereo) should serve you well. keep this in mind though, in PASS X series (Class A/B) the the 260.8 initially bias themselves into Class A further (34 watts) that any of the other amps, with the exception of the '650'. In so far as the analytical, imaging and detail comment.........mostly audiofool BS, I doubt anyone that has made that comment has ever done a DBT.

[Anatta]

The 260.8 monos have a higher class A bias and are better to drive low impedance loads which the Wilsons certainly are, especially the Sasha with their 2 Ohm load. The lower the load, the more current the amplifier has to deliver and the sooner will leave its class A operation. Pass quotes the X350.8 to leave class A @ 18W and the X260.8 @ 34W.

I'd pick the monos for the Wilsons considering their load and relatively high voltage sensitivity.

[Mikado463]

The 260.8 monos have a higher class A bias and are better to drive low impedance loads which the Wilsons certainly are, especially the Sasha with their 2 Ohm load. The lower the load, the more current the amplifier has to deliver and the sooner will leave its class A operation. Pass quotes the X350.8 to leave class A @ 18W and the X260.8 @ 34W.

I'd pick the monos for the Wilsons considering their load and relatively high voltage sensitivity.

LOL, exactly ....... I said that a week ago !

[Kuoppis]

X250.8 .


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[CharlesL]

The 260.8 monos have a higher class A bias and are better to drive low impedance loads which the Wilsons certainly are, especially the Sasha with their 2 Ohm load. The lower the load, the more current the amplifier has to deliver and the sooner will leave its class A operation. Pass quotes the X350.8 to leave class A @ 18W and the X260.8 @ 34W.

I read 350.5 first 30W is class A (see https://www.passlabs.com/press/leaving-class), and the 350.8 is biased heavier than the 350.5. I also read in one of the reviews that the 250.8 peak class A is 25W.

[Kuoppis]

I read 350.5 first 30W is class A (see https://www.passlabs.com/press/leaving-class), and the 350.8 is biased heavier than the 350.5. I also read in one of the reviews that the 250.8 peak class A is 25W.

I’ve read that too. I think it was either in a paper Nelson Pass wrote or than the X250.8 comparison with the XA60.8 monos.

But I believe material on the Pass website states the lower numbers.

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