Please allow me to back into my question.
I have been using Pass’ XP10 and now XP12. They’re both good though I thought the latter is quieter, cleaner and more dramatically revealed the different color/tone saturation between differing DACs. I borrowed a Wells Audio Commander preamp, which immediately showed the XP12 to be less “weighty” and less liquid. Though I liked what it offered instantly, I’m not switching to the Commander.
I am considering a Pass amplifier to match with the XP12. My question relates to the difference in sonic character between the .5 and .8 amplifiers. For the moment, please leave aside the size of the amplifier - yes, I know that makes a significant difference - introducing that questions, drops the discussion into the weeds too soon for me. I am asking for impressions of the difference between the .5 and .8. Ultimately, I will give both a try, in my system but wanted to start with your impressions.
Assuming the same power rating, which of the two amplifier designs/technology produces a greater: 1) weightiness and 2) liquidity? What I’ve gleaned is that the .5 seems to reflect the XP10 sound quality - less finely grained, slightly noisier (noticeable but sufficiently “inaudible” that its effect is present but not enough to be described, at least by me) but a weightier sound. In turn the XP12 maybe matches the .8, which is to say quieter, more nuanced and neutral. (dropping some of the weightiness and liquidity for greater across the band transparency) Does the impression I’ve generated from reading comments match yours in reality?
If I’m totally off-base with your impressions, please share your experience. I know there are other brands to consider, but I'm inquiring here just about the Pass amps. In advance, thanks.
Larry
* I used the XP12 with powered ATC 20A speakers. I’ll be using the amplifier to drive Gamut L5 speakers. I’ve tried the XP12 with the Gamuts and they’re quite a good match.
I have been using Pass’ XP10 and now XP12. They’re both good though I thought the latter is quieter, cleaner and more dramatically revealed the different color/tone saturation between differing DACs. I borrowed a Wells Audio Commander preamp, which immediately showed the XP12 to be less “weighty” and less liquid. Though I liked what it offered instantly, I’m not switching to the Commander.
I am considering a Pass amplifier to match with the XP12. My question relates to the difference in sonic character between the .5 and .8 amplifiers. For the moment, please leave aside the size of the amplifier - yes, I know that makes a significant difference - introducing that questions, drops the discussion into the weeds too soon for me. I am asking for impressions of the difference between the .5 and .8. Ultimately, I will give both a try, in my system but wanted to start with your impressions.
Assuming the same power rating, which of the two amplifier designs/technology produces a greater: 1) weightiness and 2) liquidity? What I’ve gleaned is that the .5 seems to reflect the XP10 sound quality - less finely grained, slightly noisier (noticeable but sufficiently “inaudible” that its effect is present but not enough to be described, at least by me) but a weightier sound. In turn the XP12 maybe matches the .8, which is to say quieter, more nuanced and neutral. (dropping some of the weightiness and liquidity for greater across the band transparency) Does the impression I’ve generated from reading comments match yours in reality?
If I’m totally off-base with your impressions, please share your experience. I know there are other brands to consider, but I'm inquiring here just about the Pass amps. In advance, thanks.
Larry
* I used the XP12 with powered ATC 20A speakers. I’ll be using the amplifier to drive Gamut L5 speakers. I’ve tried the XP12 with the Gamuts and they’re quite a good match.