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. |
For your speakers if you want Class A I’d take a hard look at these Clayton Audio monoblocks. At least as good as the XA25 and lots more power, and at this price used if they don’t work you could sell them for little/no loss. Personally I’d take these over the XA25 in a heartbeat, but that’s me. Clayton no longer sells new amps, but apparently the designer still services them. Just another option, and best of luck. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650127705-clayton-audio-m-100-class-a-monoblocks/ |
I agree with the others that the XA25 might not have the depth you need to drive those speakers. I also agree that the Coda #8 would be a good choice. That said, I recently swapped out my #8, for a new to me Audionet Amp 1 v2 and a Pre G2. I was using a Pass XP-12 with the Coda. I am not sure how the Audionet amp would be with the LTA, but it is magical with the G2. I will be selling the Coda shortly if there is interest. |
Hello @sfpeloton , Good Morning! You do have a nice system and have paid a lot of attention to your digital front end! I am a huge fan of Audionet! I have owned the mono Amps, mono Max Amps and now the top dog Heisenbergs. While the Heisenbergs are amazing, the Max amos give you most of the Audionet sound at a more reasonable price. My friend owns the Humboldt integrated, which is also stunning, but I like the Max amps better. I have directly compared to Classe, Parasound Halo, Hegel and Pass and think the Audionet amps and preamps are special. To me, the other AB amps I have heard are dark, dull and uninspiring (and the Hegel is perhaps the best of these). The Audionet gear is lightning fast, with super transients and dynamics, yet so resolving I call it the sparkle. They are NOT over etched or too bright. Listening is engaging and non fatiguing. I run the Heisenbergs with their Stern preamp, and the Maxs with my Mola Mola Makua preamp w onboard Tambaqui. The Mola Mola is a touch warmer, but still a wonderful match. Audionet amplification with your tube pre should be stunning. I know Bill at GTT has been sitting on a demo Audionet stereo Amp V2 that I have been tempted to get for my vacation home. Happy Holidays! Ken |
