Anyone Hear the New .8 Amps Yet

[MDP]

I haven't heard the XA.8 amps yet, but I did hear the monster XS300's a while back with TAD Reference One speakers and the sound was incredible. From what I've heard the .8 amps are supposed to deliver most of the magic of the XS series. The Pass amps are very preamp dependent since they're transparent, so you can get a spacious, smooth sound with most tube preamps or you can get a very detailed, concise sound with solid state preamps. Either way, Pass is a great option. I owned an X350.5 and it was a great amp. I sold it recently so I could purchase one of the new models. The X series is similar in sound to the XA series as it runs the first 30-60 watts in class A depending on the model. So there's very little difference at low power outputs.

Hey Peter, glad you joined our forum !!

 

[Penthouse-D]

Already an XA30.8 on the 'gon. That was fast...

 

[joeinid]

Already an XA30.8 on the 'gon. That was fast...

We are a fickle bunch. I am sure they are wonderful.

 

[madfloyd]

Ian, I apologize for calling you Floyd. I simply can't keep up with the different names and usernames !

I wish all our members would list their first names on their signatures.

No worries. I'm often called Mad or Floyd because of my handle. I answer to a lot of things.

 

[madfloyd]

I received my XA160.8's yesterday. Here's a couple pics (sitting beside my XA160.5's)




They arrived around noon yesterday when I was at work and were still cold to the touch when I got home 7 hours later. They sounded a tad thin when first hooked up, but very much like Pass amps (nothing stood out). Now 17 hours later they are much different. I wish I could say that they are blowing me away but right now they sound like mud. Deep boomy bass and not much separation of instruments. They need to break in obviously - I'm pretty sure my .5's were similar.

I'll keep you posted!

Ian

 

[MDP]

I received my XA160.8's yesterday. Here's a couple pics (sitting beside my XA160.5's)
View attachment 5419

View attachment 5418

They arrived around noon yesterday when I was at work and were still cold to the touch when I got home 7 hours later. They sounded a tad thin when first hooked up, but very much like Pass amps (nothing stood out). Now 17 hours later they are much different. I wish I could say that they are blowing me away but right now they sound like mud. Deep boomy bass and not much separation of instruments. They need to break in obviously - I'm pretty sure my .5's were similar.

I'll keep you posted!

Ian

OMG !!

Thanks Ian, I can't wait for your comparison when they settle in !

Very exciting :exciting:

 

[LL21]

BIG NEWS! Literally!! Congrats MadFloyd! You're gonna have to change your moniker to MadM-A-N!!! Because that is crazy cool, man! Look forward to your impressions as they burn in. enjoy...

I received my XA160.8's yesterday. Here's a couple pics (sitting beside my XA160.5's)
View attachment 5419

View attachment 5418

They arrived around noon yesterday when I was at work and were still cold to the touch when I got home 7 hours later. They sounded a tad thin when first hooked up, but very much like Pass amps (nothing stood out). Now 17 hours later they are much different. I wish I could say that they are blowing me away but right now they sound like mud. Deep boomy bass and not much separation of instruments. They need to break in obviously - I'm pretty sure my .5's were similar.

I'll keep you posted!

Ian

 

[madfloyd]

Quick update: I finally had my Transparent cables re-tuned for my current equipment and received them Thursday. Having gone through this before, I can say these cables sound horrible for the first week so I had only been burning them at night. Today when I switched over to my non-Transparent cables (Burley) I forgot to switch the speaker cables. Having done that just now it's not as muddy. Listenable but still somewhat tubby, closed-in with no magic yet. Again, I'm not surprised - it'll change over the next few days.

I did just now receive my order of Stillpoints for my Alexias. In theory I should just refrain from installing them until the amps have settled so I can really tell what difference they make, but I'm not sure I have the self discipline...

 

[LL21]

Quick update: I finally had my Transparent cables re-tuned for my current equipment and received them Thursday. Having gone through this before, I can say these cables sound horrible for the first week so I had only been burning them at night. Today when I switched over to my non-Transparent cables (Burley) I forgot to switch the speaker cables. Having done that just now it's not as muddy. Listenable but still somewhat tubby, closed-in with no magic yet. Again, I'm not surprised - it'll change over the next few days.

I did just now receive my order of Stillpoints for my Alexias. In theory I should just refrain from installing them until the amps have settled so I can really tell what difference they make, but I'm not sure I have the self discipline...

c'mon...just go for it...put 'em in...why be so scientific? When you're all settled in...and burned in...it'll be just AWESOME.

 

[MRJAZZ]

Quick update: I finally had my Transparent cables re-tuned for my current equipment and received them Thursday. Having gone through this before, I can say these cables sound horrible for the first week so I had only been burning them at night. Today when I switched over to my non-Transparent cables (Burley) I forgot to switch the speaker cables. Having done that just now it's not as muddy. Listenable but still somewhat tubby, closed-in with no magic yet. Again, I'm not surprised - it'll change over the next few days.

I did just now receive my order of Stillpoints for my Alexias. In theory I should just refrain from installing them until the amps have settled so I can really tell what difference they make, but I'm not sure I have the self discipline...

After perhaps another 25 hours or so, on your new amps, you might want to try the Still Points under the new amps just to get a sense of what they can do, and than move them over to your ALEXIA'S. I recently placed 3 ULTRA 5's under some ELECTROCOMPANIET MONO BLOCKS, and the difference is substantial, and in ways I wasn't expecting.
Cheers, T.

 

[madfloyd]

After perhaps another 25 hours or so, on your new amps, you might want to try the Still Points under the new amps just to get a sense of what they can do, and than move them over to your ALEXIA'S. I recently placed 3 ULTRA 5's under some ELECTROCOMPANIET MONO BLOCKS, and the difference is substantial, and in ways I wasn't expecting.
Cheers, T.

That makes sense. In fact even my wife suggested that I target the amps next if I were to pursue more Stillpoints (given that I don't have amp stands).

I have now taken to switching back and forth between Transparent cables/XA-160.8 amps when not critically listening (so both can break-in) and my Burley cables/XA-160.5 amps when I want to enjoy listening. I will probably try the Stillpoints in the latter configuration since it's stable and I am familiar with the sound.

I assume that to properly hear Stillpoints under the amps I would need the proper threading adapters (to replace the Pass feet)?

 

[LL21]

That makes sense. In fact even my wife suggested that I target the amps next if I were to pursue more Stillpoints (given that I don't have amp stands).

I assume that to properly hear Stillpoints under the amps I would need the proper threading adapters (to replace the Pass feet)?

First, your wife seems awesome. My wife is also very cool with this. Thank goodness. Second, I am not so sure about the threads. Otoh, your logic is sound your obvious reasons. Otoh, because the weight distribution may not be even...and certain elements of an amp vibrate more or are more sensitive to external vibration...placing the ultra 5s underneath in slightly "off" placement sometimes is better. Trust me on this. My Zanden PSU has ultra 5s underneath quite differently than the transparent ref power conditioner...and it took several tries on each to get optimal placement. Ymmv.

 

[MRJAZZ]

That makes sense. In fact even my wife suggested that I target the amps next if I were to pursue more Stillpoints (given that I don't have amp stands).

I have now taken to switching back and forth between Transparent cables/XA-160.8 amps when not critically listening (so both can break-in) and my Burley cables/XA-160.5 amps when I want to enjoy listening. I will probably try the Stillpoints in the latter configuration since it's stable and I am familiar with the sound.

I assume that to properly hear Stillpoints under the amps I would need the proper threading adapters (to replace the Pass feet)?

Of course check with STILL POINT on the efficacy of threaded inserts to go under your PASS AMPS, however I just put mine under the mono blocks I am using in that room ( I have one other dedicated room that features a tube amp (ARC REF 75) , with the bottom of the amp resting on the flat portion of the still point. The results are quite substantial,....dare I say stunning.
CHEERS, T.

 

[Audioseduction]

c'mon...just go for it...put 'em in...why be so scientific? When you're all settled in...and burned in...it'll be just AWESOME.

Kind of sad after spending all that hard earned money that you may have to add stillpoints just to get that sound you are hoping for. :dry:

I would hold off and see what they can do on their own. That way others with xa160.5 can get an idea on differences.

 

[LL21]

Kind of sad after spending all that hard earned money that you may have to add stillpoints just to get that sound you are hoping for. :dry:

I would hold off and see what they can do on their own. That way others with xa160.5 can get an idea on differences.

I don't know...its not that the Pass is not awesome on its own...no doubt it is. But speaking for my own experience, having great isolation under each of my components did transform the system...and made me realize even more I have no desire to upgrade or look anywhere else on electronics. Although I had already had my components on my Dream List for the last 6-7 years (so I really am done)...the isolation made such an improvement on my being able to hear the signal, I am delighted.

Having watched other forums (like WBF) where Steve Williams (earlier a skeptic) placed them under his X2s in his professionally designed and treated room (including flooring, padding and carpeting)...it has been fun to watch people's reactions to Ultra 5s.

 

[Audioseduction]

I feel the same way with a product from ISOCLEAN the TT-109 pictured below. They are constructed of two materials of hard and soft hardness to dampen and absorb micro mechanical vibrations.
I've placed them under my amp platforms, speakers and audio rack. The experience was very positive for me. They increased tighter focus, enhanced the soundstage and extended the holographic extensions. They are not cheap but well worth it.

 

[LL21]

Stunning...Isoclean is serious stuff. congrats. I have heard unbelievably good things about their power conditioners...which I could find one to hear. Have you heard anything else by them?

 

[Audioseduction]

Stunning...Isoclean is serious stuff. congrats. I have heard unbelievably good things about their power conditioners...which I could find one to hear. Have you heard anything else by them?

No I have not. I also see many of the very high-end systems use them.

 

[LL21]

Yes, I agree...Isoclean are in some seriously high-end systems. Would love to hear myself someday. Pls post if you do.

 

[scb]

Quick update: I finally had my Transparent cables re-tuned for my current equipment and received them Thursday. Having gone through this before, I can say these cables sound horrible for the first week so I had only been burning them at night. Today when I switched over to my non-Transparent cables (Burley) I forgot to switch the speaker cables. Having done that just now it's not as muddy. Listenable but still somewhat tubby, closed-in with no magic yet. Again, I'm not surprised - it'll change over the next few days.

I did just now receive my order of Stillpoints for my Alexias. In theory I should just refrain from installing them until the amps have settled so I can really tell what difference they make, but I'm not sure I have the self discipline...

Very surprising since I thought my xa60.8s sounded pretty great right out of the box