Apparently this amp is quite captivating but my only dealer does not have a demo. Supposed to be the best sounding Nelson Pass amp and solid state amp in existence. Anyone own or hear it?
I've heard the XA-25 several times under hi-fi show conditions -- once driving Vienna Acoustics floor-standers, several times driving Zu Druids, and several times driving open-baffles (can't recall the manufacturer). I was impressed each time, though obviously it is impossible for me to assess the contribution of the amp under such conditions. But it sure wasn't mucking anything up! --David B.
I haven't heard one... but I have confidence in the knowledge and experience of Nelson pass. There is a pass labs forum over on diyaudio.com and he participates from time to time.
Certainly the most affordable way into pure class A Pass Labs heaven I'm sure! If I had $5k burning a hole in my pocket!!
I haven't heard the amp, but you may need more efficient speakers than your Harbeths, though, to get the most out of those 25 watts.
I was actually considering it or the INT-25 (primarily due to the "smallish" form factor), but the 25W paired with my 85dB efficient speakers worry me, regardless of the number of times the SPL calculator indicates I could get more than adequate volume at the levels I listen . BTW, I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Xa25/INT-25 actually puts out at least 50W!
Stereophile says 1%THD comes in at 80W/8ohms, 130W/4ohms. Who knows what that means in-room, but XA25 is definitely one of the amps I'm also most curious about.
I have not heard the XA25 but it's on my "very interested" list. I have read nothing but solid reviews and the few I see come up for sale are very quickly sold. I'm trying to decide on speakers with high sensitivity and low stable impedance, precisely so that I can play with SET tube amps and that specific Pass Labs amp in the future. I don't think the XA25 needs extremely SET friendly speakers, but that's where I want to start with tube SET first, then move to low power SS if I don't care for the SET experience. Incidentally I have noted a few comments about mating the XA25 with tube preamps and a warning that the Pass is a relatively low input impedance at 47k, so it's something to be aware of. Also, with respect to the OP's own tube preamp, its output impedance is somewhat higher than typical at 400 ohms. The XA25 in single ended input only. Doesn't phase me, but worth noting for some. Cheers, Robert
FWIW - I heard them with my speakers, albeit just for half an hour. I am not sure it is that much different that my Pass Labs XA30.5, but I may be mistaken... Hard to remember the sound..
I have owned several class A power amps including some Nelson Pass designs. The XA-25 outshines them all in terms of sheer sound quality. And it's more powerful than one would think.
I like the stuff I’ve read about it. I’d probably go after an XA30.8 however as I have read it’s even better.
After decades of tube amps, CJ, ARC etc. I’ve switched to Pass both the XA and X series and couldn’t be happier. You sacrifice none of the tube magic plus you gain silent backgrounds, speed and bass control.
We've heard the XA25 at a friends with two different speakers, it was quite good but certainly not the best solid state amp we've heard.