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Pass Labs XA25 + Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 - A Good Combination?

Hey Everyone,

Lately I have been looking at reviews of these two pieces of equipment and seems most of the review highly praise them.

I was wondering if these two together would be a good combo? 

Anyone by chance have any experience with these two together?

If I were to get the XA25, I would first try it with my current integrated as acting a as pre-amp and see how that would go but perhaps eventually upgrade to the Backert Labs.

Of course, speakers make a huge difference also. 

Currently have ML Motion 40's and am curious if that would have good synergy together.

Any feedback would be welcomed.

Thnx
128x128jay73
7 responses Add your response
rh67
307 posts
 
The XA25 is a wonderful amp it does everything in a very musical way, i feel that it's the best of the Pass amps.

I have not heard it in the combination that your asking about but i'm sure it will sound great.

The XA25 needs 200 hours before sounding it's best so be patient, it`s sound changes quite a bit those first hours.
rdoc
93 posts
 
I had the XA-25 with the Sonus Faber Elipsa SE's that I had at the time.  I found the XA-25 to be very transparent but very fatiguing to listen to for longer periods.  I added the Rumba 1.3 in an attempt to tame the Pass.  It helped a lot, but ultimately not enough.  I owned the Pass XA-30.8 with these speakers as well.  It was much better than the XA-25.  I wound up selling the Pass and Backert Labs and bought a Gryphon Diablo 120.  It was far better.  YMMV in your system.
jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
@acefactory,

Thanks for your feedback.

I have a feeling the Backert Labs and Pass Labs would be a nice combo.

Will have to think about it.
acefactory
66 posts
 
@jay73 - I don't have any experience with Pass Labs amps but, for what it's worth, I have an upgraded original Rhumba 1.1 and couldn't be happier with the clean sound it puts out. For the price, I think the Backert Labs Rhumbas are a great value, and their customer service is fantastic...
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 
@jay73,Thank you for the kind words.
If you listen at moderate volumes, then you will have a great combination with these 2. And the good thing is that both the components are made locally.

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 
@milpai 

Thanks for your feedback. I suspect the XA25 would be fine for my application as I generally do not listen at very high volumes.

By the way, I looked at your virtual system. Very Nice! Love your room and setup, looks like a very nice place to relax and listen to your favorite tunes.

Wish I had a more dedicated space just for listening to music.

Thanks

Jay
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,402 posts
 
I do not know about this specific combination. But I do have the Rhumba 1.3 with the Parasound A21 amp. I love this combination and how wonderful it makes music.Your ML is above average sensitive, so my "guess" is that the combination you are looking forward to "might" work. Hopefully some XA25 owners can chime in. If you really want high volumes, then you might need a powerful amp. The Backert should be fine working with any amp.
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