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.
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!
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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. |
I had the Parsifal Encore and they like to have some power 18wpc won't show you the potential of these speakers. You can also get something with a bit of bit as they are naturally pretty laid back. The Luxman rec is good but after owning Luxman amps for 15 years I can't really listen to them anymore, maybe bored or just wanting something different. Great speaker give them some breathing room and enjoy! |
+1 @bjesien as an owner of the Parsifal Encore I totally agree with your recommendations for something with both power and a bit of bite. |
I have the XA 25. Digital source is the Esoteric K-01XS, pre is Benchmark LA4, speakers Rockport Atria II (which, thankfully, I bought before the 50% price increase!). Yes, it IS really good. My room is a bit larger than yours, 25x45, and the XA 25 can fill the room - I listen to "classical" music and it is supremely satisfying. Caveat: my speakers are 4 ohm so the XA 25 can deliver 50watts. The XA 25 is actually push-pull, but is pure class A. Pure is a word that I would use to describe the sound. Do read the reviews, the professional reviewers can describe the sound (actually the absence of any signature) better than I. It is 100% revealing of the source, unforgiving of poor recordings but displays the glories of the best. I absolutely recommend that you audition this amplifier.
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- 77 posts total