2. amps-preamps
  3. 192823-200336

Pass....Accuphase....or......

Hi Audiogoners!

I need a new power amp to my Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation (18 watts minimum recommended input power / 8 ohm).

Have a Mark Levinson No.532 that keeps broking down and it's getting too expensive to fix in Europe. 

Music: Classical/symphonic and jazz.

Room: 13 x 26

Preamp: Auralic DAC/Pre (but this can change....)

Ideas so far:

Pass Labs XA-25 (hype or really good and powerful enough?)

Accuphase A-48 (too polite?)

If you have a minute....I need ideas in that price range...+/- $$. Thanks!

 

southofdallas
hifikenobi
2 posts
 

For what it’s worth, here is my input as a hardcore Accuphase fanboy. For amplification I have C-3900, and A-300s, driving TAD CR1TX. I’ve had other models before.

Please consider the following input based on my experience:

  • Incredibly smooth and distortion free Class A power. If you like distortion, which sounds nice for some music, you can add it with DSP pro-audio plugins. If your chain has it you can never get it out. 
  • The power ratings are always under specified. I’ve never had a lack of power even with smaller models at normal listening levels
  • Extremely well made and reliable. I’ve never had a breakdown and don’t know anyone that has. Maybe someone here has experienced a broken Accuphase but it is unicorn rare. 
zlone
725 posts
 

I have recently discovered Audionet and I am really enjoying an AMP 1 v2 and their PRE G2. They are worth an audition.

vinylvalet
910 posts
 

...Coda.

georgemunn
12 posts
 

I use an XA25 to drive a set of ZU Omen Def Supremes in a 24x21 room it is far more powerful than the ratings would make you think. The amp easily powers to 95 db at my listening position with power to spare. The ZUs are effecient. The amp is built like a tank. It is my final amp purchase I couldn’t be happier with a product. 

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
586 posts
 

I have owned XA25 for 5 yrs.  25W Class A and it has over 80 W output capability.  I bought this brand because of reliability.  It is overbuilt!  It weighs 49 lbs.  It gets warm.  I have 100dB Klipsch Cornwall clones.  I use a passive preamp.  The sound comes through neutral with dynamics, clarity, great soundstaging.  This is the only Pass Labs built single ended.  

I have heard Luxman solid state.  It is warm and luscious.   An attempt to have a tubey sound.  This is not a bad thing. Not sure who services them in the US. 

Accuphase is near the top for solid state.  It is just a natural beautiful sound. It has been a long time but Accuphase and Klipschorns were memorable IMO.  A very small dealer network and not sure about service.

All of these companies make very nice equipment that you will not get tired of. 

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