Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pass Laboratories XA 30.5 Amplifier (SS) by reuben

Model:	XA 30.5
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3000 refurb from Reno Hi-Fi
Description:	30 w/ch class A solid state stereo amp
Manufacturer URL:	Pass Laboratories
Model Picture:	View

Review by reuben on July 12, 2014 at 18:09:16
IP Address: 32.216.94.45 Add Your Review
for the XA 30.5

Stone cold, this amp sounds rolled off on top, bloated on the bottom, perhaps a little blurry, but definitely euphonic.

After about 5 minutes warm up, the sound gels into a delightful sum of parts - smooth and detailed, articulate and controlled. Some of the 'cold amp' artifacts might still be there but they are are far less intrusive. Low level information that may have gone unnoticed for years has now become obvious. The amp sounds great. You may now enter 'that blissful state' as suggested in the owners manual.

The change that comes in the first hour is so gradual and subtle that you might not know how or when it happened. If you're like me, you suddenly realize that the sound has taken a back seat and you find yourself connected to the music like never before. Taken by this, you deliberately check out the sound and it is fantastic. Things that are supposed to jump out at you do so without any disturbance of the spell that has been cast by the musicians. Subtle details are not obscured by the picture, they enhance it. Slipping back into the music is as easy as letting go.

Obviously, the above level of connection doesn't happen all the time. However, a good recording and the XA-30.5 will provide you with the means.

Thank you Mr. Pass

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	Transcends sound and connects you to the music

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Pass
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Carver modded
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Denon / SOTA
Speakers: Infinity modded
Cables/Interconnects: Home made
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Pass
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Carver modded
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon / SOTA
Speakers:	Infinity modded
Cables/Interconnects:	Home made
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner