Pass XA25 for my system
I have been a long-time lurker here, but never posted until now. I have learned a lot from reading other posts and I thought it would be nice to share details on my current system. Also wondering if anyone has thoughts on switching from Hegel to a Pass XA25 amp.
Current system:
My system is relatively modest, but was carefully assembled and it sounds pretty great to me. After adding the Microzotl preamp and seeing the improvement, I am thinking of replacing the Hegel (I am not using the preamp or DAC functionality) and trying a new amp. Thinking of the Pass XA25 after reading great reviews and seeing other people matching it with both my speakers and preamp. To be clear, the Hegel has been great and is a good match for my speakers. Dynamics are great, clarity, detail and a very relaxed feel to the sound. It was maybe just a touch too “clean/thin” before the LTA preamp. That move added a little more body, better imaging and soundstaging so curious to see what the Class A XA25 might do to further improve on these areas. The LTA Microzotl also helped with lower level/volume listening allowing more detail and dynamics to come through. With the Hegel volume control, I had to turn things up quite a bit to get things sounding their best. I also tried the Bricasti as a preamp and that was slightly less preferable than using either the Hegel or LTA for volume control.
I am still slightly nervous moving away from the Class A/B sound I am familiar with. Maybe it will soften things a little too much and be a step backwards? I was also considering a slightly used Class A/B Audionet Amp. I have no doubt they make excellent amps but I also couldn’t find many people using that brand and even fewer using it with my preamp and speakers. Any thoughts on whether the Pass XA25 will soften dynamics and transients significantly relative to my Hegel? I found some info. at 6Moons comparing the XA25 to Kinki Class A/B monoblocks and the comments seemed positive albeit a little mixed and unclear.
@sfpeloton - I concur with audphile1. I also own the Dynaudio Heritage specials and LTA preamp. I’ve driven the Dynaudio’s with a Luxman 590axii class A amp that has similar power output to the pass labs XA25. It’s just not enough power to drive the Heritage speakers to their potential. The Coda 8 would probably be a better pairing. |
@cbrez - I ended up purchasing a used Gryphon 120 which does 240 watts into 4 ohms. It was at that moment that I realized the full potential of the Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers. They are fantastic speakers and I just feel they really open up when driven with more power. |
@sfpeloton - I think that’s an awesome decision. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Audionet. So much of this is about synergy of components. Knowing your speakers very well, I think avoiding a lower power amp is wise. And to @audphile1 ’s suggestion, the higher powered Pass Labs would be a better match with those Heritage Speakers. |
@sfpeloton - Thanks for sharing how the new amp is working in your room with your other components. Sounds like the Heritage Specials are a good match with the AudioNet amp and LTA? Great news! |
