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Which amp would you choose and why - Pass Labs XA-25 or First Watt F8?

I'm very interested in Nelson designs and hope to upgrade to his low watt offerings for a smaller room I have. Does anyone have experience with the Pass Labs XA-25 and First Watt F8 amps? Both are rated at 25W. What main differences do they have? Which one has better bass?

Preamp: Cary Audio SLP98
Speakers: Tannoy XT8F (91db efficient)
galacticmayan

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,658 posts
 
@avanti1960

Imteresting. Nice looking system and room.
ghdprentice
7,658 posts
 
@avanti1960.

Have you tried just using single ended preamp outs? I would be shocked if using the balanced out and converting to single ended would sound better than just using single ended. Pass is one of the greatest amp designers of all time. If he wanted to use balanced input they would be there.

ghdprentice
7,658 posts
 
I would not be too quick to accept that massive power is always better. I have owned massive amps (i.e., Pass x350) in the past. Headroom is nice, but the grace and Beauty of an XA isn’t there. If your objective is loud and slam, or powering planar, then you need that. But for really good bass and midrange an XA or tube amp is better for many people.
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