2. amps-preamps
  3. 191484-196216

FirstWatt SIT-3 or Pass Labs XA25 for Avalon Indras?

Hi, I have a dilemma, SIT-3 or XA25 for my Avalon Indras that are 87db and 4ohms? 
I use to listen at night at low volume, mainly chamber music and opera, but also orchestra. I like the warmth and three-dimensionality and the reverb of music auditoriums.
The preamp is a Dissanayake custom tube and the speakers are the Avalon Indra, both wonderful.
Of the SIT-3 I read that it drives 4ohm well, that it has a warmer sound and has more soundstage than the XA25, all of which leads me towards this model.
Of the XA25 it struck me that it goes down to 2ohm and is very detailed.
Power is not the key point, if I listen to music during the day the knob never goes beyond half of the current power amp which is a 50W Bartolomeo Aloia Micropal.
The aim is to have magic and involvement at low volume.

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

Alberto 

ulul

Showing 2 responses by helomech

helomech
1,769 posts
 

I’ve owned the XA25 twice and tried it with a variety of speaker loads.

IMO, the amp does not excel at low listening levels, nor does it drive low impedance loads very well. It is a sweet sounding amp with great soundstage, but it really requires careful speaker matching to bring out its best. I wouldn’t want to use it with any speakers of <90dB sensitivity and <6-ohm nominal load. Also best if the speaker’s impedance has mild phase angles.

I realize this largely contradicts the claims made in the Stereophile review, but that just goes to show (IMO) the misleading tendencies of such publications. I get they often have to walk a fine line between praise and criticism, but I wish they’d be a more forthright about component limitations and synergy. Claiming that the XA25 can adequately power Magnepans for example, ultimately does nothing more than a disservice to both Pass and the consumer. The more experienced I become in this “hobby”/industry, the less I pay mind to the claims in these magazines.


The Coda No.8 (any version) will give you much of the same sound profile as the XA25 and sound way more authoritative at low listening levels with your Avalons.


Others I recommend considering are the Yamaha (yes, for real) A-S2100 or 2200 integrated amps. I owned the 2200 (currently own a 2100) at the same time as the XA25 and concluded it was overall sweeter/lusher (more similar to a SET amp) than the Pass, and like the Coda, sounds far more effortless at all listening levels. My experience is that both those Yamaha integrateds marry most of the strengths of tubes and SS, and can compete well against any separates combos I’ve compiled under ≈$8K retail.

Anyhow, the two amps you’re considering would probably be two of the last I imagine would pair well with Avalons.

 

 

 

helomech
1,769 posts
 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but your Avalons have a reputation for being power and current hungry. Either of these Pass designs would leave you wanting, especially at low volumes. I have little doubt that even Nelson himself would tell you something similar. 
 

Pass makes some fine amplification, but so do many others. You’re better off trying a higher power Coda or Ayre amp. The XA25 is rated at 25 WPC for good reason. Certainly, it can output more before it reaches “clipping” at 1%THD, but it clearly sounds strained when doing so. It simply isn’t a high current design, neither is the SIT-3.

The best advice I can give is to cancel the Stereophile and TAS subscriptions. Those pubs survive off of keeping audiophiles on the merri-go-round. Some of the most underwhelming gear I’ve owned and experienced was praised by those rags. 

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