Steve Guttenberg did a video comparing a number of First Watt Amps and the Pass Labs XA-25. Link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OppGU7SJnuY
Pass Labs 1st Watt Rundown
I have become intrigued with the 1st Watt series and I am trying to wrap my head around the series and the differences within the series, but the internet discussions seem shallow.
Can anyone give me a rundown of the different models, versions, whatever?
What are the differences from one to another?
Did the newer iterations correct problems of the previous models and what were they, or did they simply address differences in power?
Stereo? Monoblocks?
What pre's and the sensitivity of the speakers you used with them.
Anything else you can think of as to characteristics of the different models.
Thanks
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- 19 posts total
Steve Guttenberg owns four of the First Watt amps, and also the XA-25, and he reviews and compares them on his youtube channel. Hes also has some really great interviews with Nelson Pass. I see jaduio1 already posted a link. :)
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I have both the Pass XA25 and the First Watt SIT-3. They are both good amps in very different ways. The Pass is clear/liquid and transparent, the SIT-3 is very good with tone and texture. I think the Pass pairs better with conventional speakers and the First Watt pairs better with Horns. I've paired the SIT-3 with a Cary SLP-98 and a Battery powered Dodd preamp with good results. If you're looking for an amp that sounds close to tubes, the SIT-3 is your amp. My speakers are 102 db efficient. Also remember that adding resistance across the terminals can tighten the sound of the SIT-3 if its necessary. According to Nelson and I agree the SIT-3 prefers a 4ohm load, but that should be determined on a case by case basis.
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- 19 posts total