how sensitive are your speakers? And their configuration?
Fist Watt F6 vs Pass Labs XA 25
I’m thinking about an upgrade regarding my power amp which is a First Watt F6 dual mono (source: LAB 12 Dac 1 Reference, "speakers": Abyss 1266 PHI TC, preamp: Dave Slagle Autoformer).
I can’t say I wouldn’t be satisfied with this configuration but I’d like to try something even more engaging.
For the moment I’m intrigued by the XA 25 but never had the chance to give it a try in my system.
Most of the reviews just compare the F7 to the XA 25 but I would be happy to hear experiences from users who had F6 and XA 25 side by side.
Is it worth an upgrade and which exact differences could I expect sonically?
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- 17 posts total
@mikem I've actually owned the XA25, tried in multiple systems, and my comment stands. In FW land, only have heard the SIT3 not the newer F8 though. |
I don't have the XA 25 but I do have the 30.8, the F6 and the J2. I like them all I think the F6 has the most delicate sound. The 30.8 sounds like it's 3X as powerful as either of the first watts but maybe a little more harshness to the sound but much bigger sound and more bass. They each have their own flavor and it depends a lot on the speakers that are being used. I can get good volume out of the super power hungry Maggie LRS with the 30.8. The F6 and J2 can't hang with the LRS. with something way more efficient I like the sound of the F6 better and for that matter I far prefer the Decware Zen triode 2 watt amp to any of these with super efficient speakers. |
I have used the F6 with only Klipsch. The forte III, Cornwall IV and vintage la scala. I like it best with La Scala, those are the most efficient of the bunch and the F6 has plenty of power for those speakers. I feel like it's not the most ballsy of amps but is very smooth and even tubelike compared to the J2 or 30.8. The F6 is a sweet amp just not the most powerful sounding but for the right music and the right system and room size it could be just right. |
- 17 posts total