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Pass Labs XA-25 vs XA-30.8 amplifier

Has anyone listened to the Pass Labs XA-25 and XA-30.8 amplifiers? Can you share what you heard, as well as what the differences are besides rated power and cost? I’m thinking of using one of these amps with my Audiovector R1 Arrete speakers and REL T/9x subwoofer (source is Weiss 501 DAC/digital preamp).

klarinet
kymanor1
63 posts
 

30.8 is an amazing amp with efficient speakers 

avanti1960
1,610 posts
 

I owned both the XA-25 and XA 30.8 amps.  I preferred the sound of the XA25 - more neutral but still sweet, incredible burst, dynamics and musical element separation.  

The XA30.8 was noticeably more powerful as it should be given that it produces 160 watts / 4-ohms.  It sounded too sweet and veiled in my system, a noticeable imprint on the music.  

npdang
8 posts
 

I currently have the XA30.8 and Coda S5.5.  I owned the XA25 previously at the same time as the XA30.8.  The 30.8 sounds big, rich, and relaxed and has more current drive than the XA25.  The XA25 sounds noticeably more open and forward in the upper midrange and treble but retains the Pass house sound of richness and palpability.  The Coda S5.5 has noticeably tighter, punchier, deeper bass than the XA30.8 and a similar richness and palpability but lacks the softness and ease of presentation.  I can't say for certain what the differences between the Coda and the XA25 are as I don't have them side by side... but from memory I would say the XA25 is slightly more resolving and the Coda slightly more refined.

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