2. amps-preamps
  3. 168468-111061

More watts or better power ?

Hello, I am currently running a PS Audio BHK Preamp, which has a tube input stage, to a Pass Labs XA25, Class A (50watts at 4 ohms) power Amp, into a pair of Sonus Faber Minima Amator II bookshelf speakers. My system sounds very good, and at 4ohms, I have 50 watts of power to my speakers, which is on the lower end of their rating.

What would be a better investment (most bang for the buck) into the system? Replace the XA25 with a higher watt amp (PS Audio BHK 250?), or spend the same money on a power conditioner (PS Audio Power Plant II?) Or upgrade the Minima Amator (which are sounding very good) to another set of speakers.

The system is in my bedroom, I have a very small house, hence the smaller Sonus Faber Speakers. I have beenplaying around with an SVS micro sub as well.

Other system parts, Clear Audio Concept/ Concept MC, Pass Labs XP15, Little Green Roon Server, Schitt Yiggi, and a Luxman MQ 88 Tube amp in rotation.

Appreciate your input
Mark O





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Showing 2 responses by russ69

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
Well, I’m going to have to say that a 25 watt power amp is holding you back. I have a pair of 25 watt mono block tube amps that sound very nice but they each have huge power supplies and giant capacitors. 25 watts of SS power is not that much. A beefy amp would add some weight and fullness to your system. After that the next step is loudspeakers but you’ll have the power drive anything once you upgrade your power amp.

Sonus says minimum power for your loudspeaker is 35-100 watts. That is typically the 8ohm specification so you are below the recommended spec. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
"...Russ, I’m not saying my system is lacking and being held back, just curious about peoples thoughts on more head room vs cleaner power. The XA25 is rated at 50wpc at 4 ohms, which the Amators are. The amp is class A / AB and weighs about 50 pounds. It’s pretty beefy for a 25 watt amp..."

I believe the Pass amp is a fine unit and that even at 25wpc is producing enough power, if you are happy with it’s output. What a beefy power amp does for you is mostly in the frequency extremes. A big power amp adds weight to the music, even at low volumes, that’s what they do best. It would be a solid move up. I’m not suggesting that you are in need of more power but you are in need of the sonic change a powerful amp can supply. My LS50s sound way better with the Parasound A21 than they do with my little tube integrated and I don’t play loud. The other change you can make is better loudspeakers, that will also get you in the right direction.

P.S. You have a fine system so you'll need a big change to advance it to the next level, just saying. 
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