Looking for a SS Amp to power Spatial Audio X-5's


If I remember correctly the X-5's are rated at 97 dB.  I want SS because the system is on all day (1 to 3 hours of listening and the rest is background/TV/movies/etc.).  My top of range for price is +/- $8K.
fixedincome

Showing 5 responses by mikem

@charles1dad 
sounds like some good memories!  I love how music can take you down memory lane.. 
sounding good so far. A good match for my speakers. I am using more volume to play at previous levels, but plenty of headroom volume wise... 
I’m breaking in a First Watt SIT3 , just hours into it, it’s special. I’m using 95db spkrs. Only 11db gain spec wise , I have to turn the volume up more than before, by about 8db or so. More than loud enough and still all attenuation. Also runs cooler than my XA
@charles1dad 
that was the SIT3 playing.. 5 days into breakin. Sounding pretty good as it opens up... 
@charles1dad 
some observations about the SIT3 with preamp and gain issues.

I am using about 10db more gain from the preamp to get the same level of volume I was getting with the XA25. My preamp works in 1db increment, 0-99. 89db is unity gain, all attenuation under that setting.
my room is 19’ x 28 x 13H wide open to other areas. I’d listen anywhere from about 68 to 80db on the dial.
Depending on recording level and music type. More than comfortably loud and there’s plenty left. Hope that helps. From what I’ve read the sit3 prefers a  8 - 4ohm load. You would have to take your room size and music type, loudness,etc Into consideration. For normal listening, I think you would be fine. You can tell this amp is built on the typical pass type power supply which is beefy and underrated. The XA25 Has more weight and heft when pushed, a trade off for midrange purity and SET like presentation.
ten days now and the amp seems fully broken in.. seems to be a good match for my speakers. It’s not a party amp, and not for everyone.. it’s quite good! I’m glad I snatched one up.