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

ddb71 said:
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....
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
I have ordered brand new XA 160.5
smile.png
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
smile.png


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.
 
slowikpl said:
I have ordered brand new XA 160.5
smile.png
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
smile.png


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.
Click to expand...

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
 
slowikpl said:
I have ordered brand new XA 160.5
smile.png
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
smile.png


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.
Click to expand...

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
 
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?
 
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