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





marktheshark

Showing 1 response by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
Check the Stereophile review of the XA25 to see how many watts it can really put out (in AB).  Given your speakers, the size of your room, and your volume levels, it is more than sufficient.  Plus, at least some owners familiar with PASS gear would pick the XA25 as the sweetest of all his amps.

I'm really not sure what itch it is you're trying to scratch.  A current deficiency in the system?  Just the need to try something new?

Adding a Puritan PSM 156 to my system made an audible improvement (unlike many other power conditioners).

If you just want to experiment, how about some Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables?
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