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Confession of a poor power cord pairing for a Pass Labs XA-25

I recently purchased a Pass XA-25 to replace my Nuforce STA-200. I had replaced the power cord on my Nuforce with an entry level Silnote power cord which made a tremendous difference in sound for the Nuforce. However, when I received my XA-25, I apparently was in an extreme hurry and did not install the cord that Pass Labs included.
This evening as I was sorting through a big box of interconnects and power cords, I discovered a power cord that still had its factory twisty tie intact. After a few minutes of deliberation, I realized that this was the power cord that was included with the XA-25. I hooked it up and wow!.. Detail and Bass that I didn't know this amp was capable of.
Moral of the story.... Just because it's factory power cord.. doesn't mean it can't be good.

128x128coachpoconnor
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 
I, too, got a XA-25 from Reno.  $3500 demo, but  you could not tell it wasn't new.  It replaced an Odyssey Khartago.  I love it.  Great place to work with.

I also have it paired with a Pass XP-10 I got used.  My speakers are Salk Exotica monitors.  The word that comes to mind when I listen is "sublime."  
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
378 posts
 
I originally paired the XA-25 with Zu Dirty Weekends. I recently purchased a pair of KEF LS-50 Meta’s. I’ve enjoyed both and have zero issues with powering the 85db Meta’s. I believe Herb Reichert has a Stereophile review, pairing the Magnepan .7 with the XA-25. He had nothing but compliments.


alfau7's avatar
alfau7
72 posts
 
If you paired with the kefs it's enough answer, tank you. If you mind, what sonic difference you found between the nuforce sta 200 vs the xa 25? There was something that the nuforce sounded or did better to you than the pass? Very appreciate your experience
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Hmmmm. I am using a ZU Event Powercord with my FirstWatt J2. Sounds great. This has got me wondering about the original Power cord that came with my J2. It's still in its twisty tie.
coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor OP
378 posts
 
alfau7-
First let me say, that I thought the Nu-force was a great little amp for $400-$500. Comparing it to the NAD integrated that I had before, it was eye opening, then when I connected the $99 Silnote power cord, it got even better. If your looking for an amp to push 4 ohm, or less than 90db efficient speakers, it ain’t it.
The Pass XA25 has dynamics, tone, timbre, definition, soundstage, transparency and bass authority in spades. The first Album I played was Vivaldi, The English Concert, the dynamics actually startled me. The timbre/tone of instruments was outstanding. Don’t let the 25@8 ohm/ 50@4 ohm rating bother you. I would encourage you to read the Herb Reichert review in Stereophile, for a more verbose account.
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