X or XA Series? Thiel 2.4s and Aesthetix Front End

[pwhinson]

I'm looking to replace my Aesthetix Atlas with another power amp and Pass is one of the possibilities at the top of the list. Honestly I'm tempted by high end class D but I don't think its going to quite cut the mustard yet so I may yet acquire another 100 pound beast. The Thiels spend most of their time around 4 ohms and can be tricky to drive. I think pure Class A would be great so I'm tempted more by the XA series than the X series but perhaps some of you pass-o-philes can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and what you think might be best with my setup. I value midrange purity and presence above pretty much everything but hey, perfection would be good ya know? I listen mostly to classical and jazz ALOT (retired). Ideas? ALSO...how much power is "enough" in each of the two lines for my Thiel 2.4s? I do like to listen at close to concert levels (I attend about 20 Atlanta Symphony concerts each year).

 

[Mike]

At 4ohm, 87db, a pair of XA100.8’s would be wonderful.


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[Elberoth]

But would it be an upgrade over the Atlas ?

Personally, I would look for an used Momentum S200 / S250 to drive the Thiels. Both from the available current (Thiels are not easy to drive) and tonality point of view Momentums should compliment Thiels nicely). Used Momentums go for $14-$18k.

 

[KeithR]

Thiels spend a lot of time below 4 ohms and with tough phase angles - the Class A/B amplifier should work much better.

 

[pwhinson]

But would it be an upgrade over the Atlas ?

Personally, I would look for an used Momentum S200 / S250 to drive the Thiels. Both from the available current (Thiels are not easy to drive) and tonality point of view Momentums should compliment Thiels nicely). Used Momentums go for $14-$18k.

Well its all purely subjective but the one time I've heard the Pass XA series there was a liquidity in the midrange that reminded me of tube gear a little bit, a dimensional quality that is difficult to pin down. Whether that's the result of a certain distortion profile I'm not sure. Not everything is an "upgrade" to everyone. Unfortunately although Atlanta is a 7 million person metropolitan area there's no Pass dealer nearby so I can't hear the most recent product and I obviously won't be able to trial them with my speakers. Honestly I'm more likely to find a used Pass amp since they seem to come to market frequently. So yes I expect a palpable midrange that the Atlas doesn't quite deliver.

 

[pwhinson]

Thiels spend a lot of time below 4 ohms and with tough phase angles - the Class A/B amplifier should work much better.

Thanks for this feedback. I know about the 4 ohm character throughout most of the bandwidth and the phase angle. I'll definitely ask a dealer or two. Ideally I would like to find a dealer that has sold both the "old" Thiels (the only one's worth listening to) and the Pass gear and was often asked to make this very recommendation: XA or X series?

 

[Mechnutt]

I have a friend here on the forum that has a pair of XA100.5's driving a pair of Revel Studio 2's. They sound awesome, very organic natural sounding with a bit of warmth. If you like the Pass sound, give Pass a call and tell ask them how they would do with your speakers. They have been very informative when I have talked with them.

 

[Phil A]

I have a Class D amp driving my Thiel 3.7s (which are not an easy load) no problem. Doesn't even get above very slightly warm in temperature when listening at loud levels in my room (which is probably around 16x18, 10 foot ceilings (with a tray ceiling) and opens into other spaces. When my friend worked at a high end shop many moons ago, I did his installs and set-ups with him for many years. I've also owned 2.3s and 7.2s and delivered many pairs of Thiels. I was very skeptical about the Class D amp. I broke it in in a secondary system as I bought the amp with the mind set that at worst it would fit into a second or third system. Way exceeded my expectations. I am still shocked even though it has been many months. What shocks me most is not only the sound but how cool it runs (I've owned some beasts of amps over time).

 

[db33]

Hi,
i use Pass Xa100.8 with Wilson Sasha and with the B&W802d3 too.
before Xa100.5but onlyin stereo....I'm happy.

If you can listen Grandinote (monos Demone) with 60watt try this last! A lot more power vs. Xa100.5/8 and what for a sound! no way for Xa!
http://www.grandinote.it/demone - en.html

greets