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

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.