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Confession of a poor power cord pairing for a Pass Labs XA-25

I recently purchased a Pass XA-25 to replace my Nuforce STA-200. I had replaced the power cord on my Nuforce with an entry level Silnote power cord which made a tremendous difference in sound for the Nuforce. However, when I received my XA-25, I apparently was in an extreme hurry and did not install the cord that Pass Labs included.
This evening as I was sorting through a big box of interconnects and power cords, I discovered a power cord that still had its factory twisty tie intact. After a few minutes of deliberation, I realized that this was the power cord that was included with the XA-25. I hooked it up and wow!.. Detail and Bass that I didn't know this amp was capable of.
Moral of the story.... Just because it's factory power cord.. doesn't mean it can't be good.

coachpoconnor

Showing 3 responses by coachpoconnor

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
382 posts
 
Gadios-
1. Yes I did buy through Reno Hifi.
2. Deal yes..  bought a demo for $3500.00. Since they were $4900.00 new. (At least I thought it was a good deal). I wouldn’t have known the difference from the packaging. I was also considering a First Watt J-2, for $2500.00. 
3. It replaced a Nuforce STA-200. The Pass XA-25 is much more dynamic, transparent. The XA-25 has found a home with me for the foreseeable future.
I do appreciate the interest in integrateds. The only issue with this audio journey for me, is the clutter. Integrateds help solve that.
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
382 posts
 
I originally paired the XA-25 with Zu Dirty Weekends. I recently purchased a pair of KEF LS-50 Meta’s. I’ve enjoyed both and have zero issues with powering the 85db Meta’s. I believe Herb Reichert has a Stereophile review, pairing the Magnepan .7 with the XA-25. He had nothing but compliments.


coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
382 posts
 
alfau7-
First let me say, that I thought the Nu-force was a great little amp for $400-$500. Comparing it to the NAD integrated that I had before, it was eye opening, then when I connected the $99 Silnote power cord, it got even better. If your looking for an amp to push 4 ohm, or less than 90db efficient speakers, it ain’t it.
The Pass XA25 has dynamics, tone, timbre, definition, soundstage, transparency and bass authority in spades. The first Album I played was Vivaldi, The English Concert, the dynamics actually startled me. The timbre/tone of instruments was outstanding. Don’t let the 25@8 ohm/ 50@4 ohm rating bother you. I would encourage you to read the Herb Reichert review in Stereophile, for a more verbose account.
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