Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.

Seeking Opinions on Pass Labs X250.5

2181 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by PrimusSucks, Jan 8, 2006

CP-Mike

Discussion Starter · Dec 16, 2005

I can't find much about this model (or any of its siblings in the X.5 line) online. Anybody with experiences with it care to share their opinions? How does it sound compared to others in the price range, like Parasound Halo JC-1 monoblocks, the Musical Fidelity A-500, etc?

Save

Status: Not open for further replies.

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

b curry

· #2 · Dec 16, 2005

IMO you will find little to dislike about the X250.5 (maybe price). I would chose it hands down over your other choices.

Your into very subjective listening area and opinions with this amplifier. You might want to post in the "Ultra Hi End Gear" area.

Most of Nelson Pass' amplifiers are well thought out and very well built. I have a 27 year old Threshold (his company from the 70's) still running strong on my two channel system.

Save

CP-Mike

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 16, 2005

Oops, I didn't even know there was a "Ultra Hi End Gear" forum. Mods, can you please move this thread there?

Save

CP-Mike

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 17, 2005

What about the X250.5 makes it such a clear choice compared to the Halo JC-1?

I'm a little confused about Pass Labs...I've seen their stuff in person, and I know it is well-built and looks awesome, but I never, ever see their stuff mentioned in the magazines or online, except for maybe their $18,000 monoblocks. Maybe a few people here or there will chime in and say "oh yeah, Pass Labs is good stuff" but not too many. So what's the deal? Are they just really overlooked? Why has nobody reviewed their newer X.5 line? It's not even that "new". Do they not care about "free publicity" or marketing?

Save

b curry

· #5 · Dec 18, 2005

Quote:

What about the X250.5 makes it such a clear choice compared to the Halo JC-1?

Good question CP-Mike. I don't think it is a clear choice. A subjective choice, without getting into a useless argument about what one can and cannot hear maybe. There is certainly nothing wrong with your other choices. The Halo would be my second choice. John Curl builds some great "stuff" also.

If you click here you will find an interesting interview with John Curl discussing his designs and some comparisons to other amplifiers.

Quote:

I'm a little confused about Pass Labs...I've seen their stuff in person, and I know it is well-built and looks awesome, but I never, ever see their stuff mentioned in the magazines or online...

I will offer an opinion here, not a defence.

Pass Labs is a boutique company, has limited distribution and has more of a focus on 2-channel systems. Also a bit on the expensive side. Looking for information on this forum (putting flame suit on) for Pass or Pass type products is something like shopping for a Bugatti Veyron or Porsche at the local Chevrolet dealer. Most here are discussing the merits of this seasons mass market receiver or if you can use 4 ohm speakers on a receiver that states its power ratings referencing a 6 ohm load. I am not belittling anyone or their questions. For whatever reasons, cost, two channel, etc., the information or interest just doesn't seem to be on this forum.

There is a Pass Labs forum here and Nelson Pass does participate. Maybe a place to start for more information.

Pass has started another company called First Watt that is focused on hand built, low power amplifiers for sensitive or sensitive full range speakers. You can find First Watt here .

Again, nothing wrong with your choices. I think you have to audition, take into account what products your using the amplifier with and make the decision based on your preferences.

I know this does not answer your question, but I hope it helps in your search.

See less See more

Save

whoaru99

· #6 · Dec 18, 2005

I'm quite surprised that you have not yet received a "save your money, buy a $300 pro amp" response.

Other than that, can't help on the actual question beyond the "it's nice stuff" type of response. I use an old Levinson No. 23...

Save

CP-Mike

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 18, 2005

Bob, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Those links are just what I was looking for.

Save

PrimusSucks

· #8 · Jan 8, 2006

Plenty of good press out there... especially in the foreign markets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CP-Mike
What about the X250.5 makes it such a clear choice compared to the Halo JC-1?

I'm a little confused about Pass Labs...I've seen their stuff in person, and I know it is well-built and looks awesome, but I never, ever see their stuff mentioned in the magazines or online, except for maybe their $18,000 monoblocks. Maybe a few people here or there will chime in and say "oh yeah, Pass Labs is good stuff" but not too many. So what's the deal? Are they just really overlooked? Why has nobody reviewed their newer X.5 line? It's not even that "new". Do they not care about "free publicity" or marketing?

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

Status: Not open for further replies.

Top Contributors this Month