Pass XA25 or Pass XA 30.8

You may want to check out my comments as well as others on this recent thread: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/you-ve-tried-other-amps-and-ended-with-pass-please-discuss 

I believe it will be a very long time before I get the itch again to buy another amp.  The pairing of a XA30.8 with a VAC preamp is magical for me.

Thanks for the answer.  Anyone else?

@bobheinatz I arrived at Pass after owning a Decware Torii Mk IV (fun amp, and great conversation piece!) I figured I’d give the Pass line a quick try, and started with the XA30.5. I loved it!

When I think back on the XA30.5, I remember it eclipsed the Torii in every way, but the mids and highs were sweet like the Torii never was.

I didn’t own the XA30.5 for very long, because everything I read about the XA30.8 said it was better; especially in the bass region. It was, with one caveat; the mids and highs, while warm and detailed, didn’t have that same sweetness of the XA30.5. 

Overall I’d describe the XA30.8 being smooth, slightly warm, detailed, and as having decent bass. The mids and highs can have a very magical sound that seems to hang in the air, especially on acoustic music.

If there is just one thing I could change with the XA30.8, it would be the bass. While the bass is good, it just doesn’t have the last bit of slam and drive that larger amps have (though it is arguably unmatched on almost every other part of the spectrum).

That said, the XA30.8 doesn’t sound like tubes, it is it’s own animal. But, what tubes do well, the XA30.8 seems to do better; and the things that tubes don’t do very well (bass for instance), the XA30.8 does A LOT better. It would be difficult for me to imagine a scenario where someone going from a tube amp to the XA30.8 is disappointed.

I haven’t heard the XA25, but according to some members on the forum, it surpasses the XA30.8 in a lot of ways.

One factor that did go into my calculus was the differentially balanced inputs and circuit in the XA30.8 compared to the XA25.  While a non-factor for many I did want to combine my fully balanced VAC pre with a fully balanced amp.  

I have owned both the XA-25 and the 30.8.  I much preferred the 30.8.  The XA-25 was much too lean in my system even when combined with a tube preamp.  It was perhaps too transparent making some music rather unpleasant.

I haven’t heard the XA30.8, but my (very positive) thoughts about the XA25 I own were stated in the thread three_easy_payments linked to in his first post above. Note, though, that as I indicated in that thread my speakers are very easy to drive, and present the amp with an unusually benign load.

Also, if you haven’t already seen it you’ll find the following thread to be of interest:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pass-labs-amp-s-what-is-the-best-pass-amp-sound-for-you-from-past-10-y

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks for the replies and links to threads.

I have the XA25 and have really enjoyed it. I went from average Yamaha receivers to some older adcom separates. I then got a decent price on a used XA25 and it was a big upgrade. So much more clarity in the voices. I use kef ls50 with the XA25 and it has been great. I will soon be moving to a floor standing speaker for a bigger room. I will be keeping the pass labs XA25 for sure!

What are your speakers and other components? Could possibly have a good match with a first watt too?
i own a J2 and SIT3 with my Devores 

My speakers are Intuitive Design Gammas.  Very few have heard of the brand or heard the speakers. 89 db sensitive.  Solid granite cabinets and granite stands.  Large monitor speakers.
I am currently driving them with a 13 watt tube amp in a 11 x 13 room.  13 tube watts work great in the smaller room.  I am sure the First Watts would also work.

I own an xa30.8 and it is amazing. Plenty of power... way more than 30 watts. I found that 4 ohm speakers tend to sound better than 8 ohm speakers on my amp. 

I have my XA-25 for two years. I love it with AZ Crescendo 2’s (90 dB). A wireless REL S/5 SHO takes care of the very bottom end. Perfect.  Never tried the 30.8, it won't fit my rack (Symposium 3-leg).

bobheinatz-
I bought my XA-25 after scouring the audio reviews. I wanted to buy an amp that would satisfy the upgrade itch for sometime. I came to the conclusion that Nelson Pass was the audiophile version of Moses, and his amplifiers were like commandments. (more than 10)  Another thing that I liked was the fact that he'll actually answer his email's.  So after conferring with NP and Sean Casey of Zu Audio, about the First Watt F-7, J-2 & Sit 3.  I decided to buy the XA-25. I thought that It would be the most versatile, if I ever decided to buy another set of contrasting speakers, like Maggies; and it would adequately mate with my Audio Research LS-3.
I think the XA-25 might be very sensitive to speaker cables. I just recently received the Libtec speaker cables from Zu audio e-bay and that was a significant difference in sound right out of the box, from the Mission Mk l's. So far it's been very transparent with good bass and plenty of power. I have not had an issue with "thinness" that a few have described.
I hope my twisted sense of humor didn't offend too many.
You probably couldn't go wrong with any of the Pass Labs/First Watt amps.
IMHO

Ask Mark at Reno Hifi for his take on the differences. Very high integrity.
i could have purchased a new amp from him, but he suggested that I keep my Pass XA-60.5s.

Reno HiFi has demo units in both models, according to the website

I would also ask teajay on these forums for his opinion. He’s had experience with several Pass Labs models.

I was seriously considering the extremely well regarded SA25 until I read the Schiit Aegir review in Stereophile (and, of course, I believe everything I read there...I mean who doesn’t?)...before spending 5 grand or whatever on the Pass amp (likely worth every penny) I suggest a trial run of the amazingly "el cheapo" Aegir as they give you a couple of weeks to return the thing. For balanced operation you'll need  two of 'em. If you do any of that let me know how it goes...

wolf, XA25, lol....senior moment ?

What’s that, Ess A? The SA just snuck if there as a Mex street cred moment, but it’s good to see that anybody reads my posts.

Lol!

I have enjoyed all the responses.  Thank you everyone.  I have always looked at Schiit as something to try.

I am very familiar with your speakers, but could never bring myself to buy anything from Dale. No to tubes as these speakers really seem to thrive on current and I always thought they worked best with S.S. I owned a 30.8 for a time and liked it but didnt love the amp. Hard to explain why in retrospect. I actually think you would be well served by a better amp, although power should be adequate but really at a minimum for your speakers. Feed them the best signal you can as these speakers are very good. 

The XA25 (I have 2, but using only one as stereo) drives my Dynaudio Confidence C4 Platinums REALLY nicely! Stereophile measured it's output at almost 180 watts. It's the most tubey, SET sounding SS amp I've heard, and I've heard MANY. 

I am a tube person but have two SS amps: XA25 and Herron M1As. I have never really been drawn into Pass but the XA25 was different, stunning, and engaging. And, I have 87db 4 hm speakers in a large room. The XA25 caught my attention right out of the box and just got better. I mistakenly traded it, missed it, and 6 months later bought a new one. It is a unique amp with wonderful capabilties.