More of everything—power devices, supply capacity, control—and yet the XA160.8 remains unmistakably musical. It paints voices with shape and depth, gives piano full acoustic integrity, and delivers bass with both impact and nuance.
This is an amplifier for systems that demand authority without sacrificing elegance. The XA160.8 doesn’t push the music forward—it simply removes resistance, letting the performance arrive whole.
That extra reserve shows up as composure: loud passages feel spacious, not crowded; dynamics expand without hardening; and the soundstage stays stable even when the recording gets dense. It’s the kind of upgrade that’s less about “more” and more about less effort—your system sounds like it’s cruising.
SPECS AT A GLANCE
- Class / Type: Class A, Mono
- Power: 160 W / 8 Ω (per channel)
- Gain: 26 dB | Damping factor: 200
- Input impedance: 50 kΩ (SE) / 100 kΩ (BAL)
- Power (idle): 600 W | Weight: 123 lbs
Future Audiophile – Pass Labs XA 160.8 Mono Power Amplifiers, 2026:
Nelson Pass doesn’t come out with new amps unless there is a damn good reason for it. This means that you get the absolute best design that he is capable of in that moment. Nelson, like Dan D’Agostino, Tom Colangelo, John Curl, and many other of the best audiophile amp designers, is not big into compromises and, at these prices, you shouldn’t expect compromises either. You should expect pure, unadulterated excellence, and these amps deliver on that. Long-term value is included in the proposition, too.
-By Jerry Del Colliano – Full Review
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“Given my experience with Pass Labs, I can almost be certain that each new version of its products will sound better. Sometimes, however, it is the person who keeps the best toys that wins in getting a great system”
XA160.8 TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2021
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2021
The Absolute Sound
The Absolute Sound’s 2020 Buyers guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2020
The Absolute Sound
Golden Ear Award – 2018
TAS
Best Audio Gear – 2018
The Absolute Sound
Editors’ Choice Award 2017
The Absolute Sound
“You must audition the XA160.8 I guarantee you will be highly impressed”
Tone Audio
aaaaa
| Class | A |
| Type | Mono |
| Gain (dB) | 26 |
| Full Pwr @ 26 dB gain (V) | 1.79 |
| Low Frequency Response | 1.5 Hz |
| High Frequency Response | 100 KHz |
| Power Output /ch (8 ohm) | 160 |
| Input Impedance (SE & BAL Kohms) | 50/100 |
| Damping Factor | 200 |
| Power Consumption @ Idle (Watts) | 600 |
| Unit Dimension (W x D x H)(In.) | 19 x 21.5 x 11 |
| Unit Weight (LBS) | 123 |
| Class | A |
| Type | Mono |
| Gain (dB) | 26 |
| Full Pwr @ 26 dB gain (V) | 1.79 |
| Low Frequency Response | 1.5 Hz |
| High Frequency Response | 100 KHz |
| Power Output /ch (8 ohm) | 160 |
| Input Impedance (SE & BAL Kohms) | 50/100 |
| Damping Factor | 200 |
| Power Consumption @ Idle (Watts) | 600 |
| Unit Dimension (W x D x H)(In.) | 19 x 21.5 x 11 |
| Unit Weight (LBS) | 123 |
Future Audiophile – Pass Labs XA 160.8 Mono Power Amplifiers, 2026:
Nelson Pass doesn’t come out with new amps unless there is a damn good reason for it. This means that you get the absolute best design that he is capable of in that moment. Nelson, like Dan D’Agostino, Tom Colangelo, John Curl, and many other of the best audiophile amp designers, is not big into compromises and, at these prices, you shouldn’t expect compromises either. You should expect pure, unadulterated excellence, and these amps deliver on that. Long-term value is included in the proposition, too.
-By Jerry Del Colliano – Full Review
The Absolute Sound’s 2023 Buyer’s Guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022
The Absolute Sound
“Given my experience with Pass Labs, I can almost be certain that each new version of its products will sound better. Sometimes, however, it is the person who keeps the best toys that wins in getting a great system”
XA160.8 TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2021
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2021
The Absolute Sound
The Absolute Sound’s 2020 Buyers guide
The Absolute Sound
TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2020
The Absolute Sound
Golden Ear Award – 2018
TAS
Best Audio Gear – 2018
The Absolute Sound
Editors’ Choice Award 2017
The Absolute Sound
“You must audition the XA160.8 I guarantee you will be highly impressed”
Tone Audio
aaaaa