[Epic]

Hi Guys,

Have decided on the brand of power amp to go for and
am at the verge of confirming/purchasing the Pass labs to drive my upcoming Unifield IIs.

However am thinking very hard whether to go for Pure Class A of the X60.5 monoblocks or the Class A/B of the X260.5 monoblocks to drive the Unifields II. Been reading a lot on the internet on both models but more I read, more I am confused.
Unfortunately the Pass dealer only has X260.5 hooked up to the Sonus Faber Stradivari and it sounded dynamic,clear,good bass impact separation and control. No XA60.5 for demo and hearing.

The XA60.5 has pure class A watts of 60 @ 8 ohms and 120 watts @ 4 ohms vs.
XA260.5 has small portion of Class A watts PLUS Class A/B of 260 watts @ 8 Ohms and 520 watts @ 4 ohms.

Since both are similarly priced, which one of the two do you guys think will be a better match for the Unifields II?

Appreciate any inputs or comments.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[es347]

Hey Epic,

So many choices, so little time eh?  Confusing as all get out but great fun.  With the Uni IIs I don't think I'd be drawn to the more powerful if it means a compromise in sonics.  As I recall those speakers are pretty sensitive not requiring gobs of power to drive them.  Do you plan on adding a subwoofer any time soon?

[Epic]

Hey Epic,

So many choices, so little time eh?  Confusing as all get out but great fun.  With the Uni IIs I don't think I'd be drawn to the more powerful if it means a compromise in sonics.  As I recall those speakers are pretty sensitive not requiring gobs of power to drive them.  Do you plan on adding a subwoofer any time soon?

Hi,

Yes, I concur that quantity cannot fight n win quality. So you are more incline to the XA60.5 ?
Do not think I will be adding a sub in the future as my delicate audio room is only 10ft by 12ft though it has some acoustic treatments.

Cheers

[es347]

60W a side should be fine for a room that size.

[ceedee]

Hello Epic,

I will advice, less is more.

Your room is small, the Uni II's have a passive sub fitting your room more than enough. Pass is crafty, even at 60 W. Class A gives you the music you are looking for.

Good luck,

Cor

[JackD201]

I agree with Gavin and Cor. The XA60 is more than enough. The only problem is when the day comes that you get those VR-4 SR MkIIIs that you've been eyeing. The 60 may not be enough if you move to a larger room with the bigger speakers

My Aleph 0s at 75 wpc fell flat on its face when confronted with the SR Mk.1 which was a nominally easier load.

[Epic]

Hey guys,


Thanks alot for all the advise and comments, very much appreciated.

I ordered the Pass XA60.5 and it will be arriving tomorrow..

I agree with Gavin and Cor. The XA60 is more than enough. The only problem is when the day comes that you get those VR-4 SR MkIIIs that you've been eyeing. The 60 may not be enough if you move to a larger room with the bigger speakers

My Aleph 0s at 75 wpc fell flat on its face when confronted with the SR Mk.1 which was a nominally easier load.

From what i understood from the guys at Pass Labs, the XA60.5 has 60w at 8ohms and 120w at 4ohms of Pure class A power and it will not clip or overdrive yet. Beyond these ratings,the XA.5 amp will operate in Class AB, but there is no switch of bias etc. If one is driving hard loads of playing music very loud, the XA.5 amp will simply draw more current from the wall, likely it will run hotter but the original class A bias will always be there. More watts are just added to it when needed until it probably clip at around double of the Pure Class A ratings(i.e. 240w at 4ohms).

Will definitely try it on the VR4 SR MK3 or VR 5 Anni if I get a chance to upgrade before i put down more cash on a higher wattage model..

Cheers
 

[ceedee]

OK Epic,

Have fun with the music.

Cor