2. amps-preamps
  3. 160448-8426

Pass Labs Int 25 vs Int 60

I'm curious if anyone has had a chance to listen to these two integrated amplifiers.

I know the Int 25 is basically the XA25 with a preamp. The Int 60 runs class A to 30 watts (and uses the same preamp) so maybe it's more closely related to the XA30.8, though I don't believe I've read that anywhere.

Anyway, I think from a power perspective both will be fine with my 90db floorstanders. My main question is which is the warmer, smoother of the two amps? Even if that means being darker and more veiled, I would want to go with that amp!

Thanks.
shahram

Showing 2 responses by mesch

mesch
3,411 posts
 

It comes down to the load the driven speaker represents. 

If you want class A sound one must stay in class A. Though the XA25 or Int25 can produce greater than the stated 25 watts when needed, the amp is no longer biased in class A. Thus some of the 'sweetness' is lost. 

I own the XA25 and love it. Drives efficient speakers in a ~15'x12'x8' room.  

mesch
3,411 posts
 

@kastor77 I would think so unless the room is quite large. Sensitivity specs for speakers are often reported  higher than actually measured under real world conditions. 

I have driven my Esoteric MG-10s with the XA25 in a 12x15' room with no problem. They are 6ohm nominal, drop below 4 ohm somewhere at lower frequency, and 87-88dB sensitive. 

 

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