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FirstWatt SIT-3 or Pass Labs XA25 for Avalon Indras?

Hi, I have a dilemma, SIT-3 or XA25 for my Avalon Indras that are 87db and 4ohms? 
I use to listen at night at low volume, mainly chamber music and opera, but also orchestra. I like the warmth and three-dimensionality and the reverb of music auditoriums.
The preamp is a Dissanayake custom tube and the speakers are the Avalon Indra, both wonderful.
Of the SIT-3 I read that it drives 4ohm well, that it has a warmer sound and has more soundstage than the XA25, all of which leads me towards this model.
Of the XA25 it struck me that it goes down to 2ohm and is very detailed.
Power is not the key point, if I listen to music during the day the knob never goes beyond half of the current power amp which is a 50W Bartolomeo Aloia Micropal.
The aim is to have magic and involvement at low volume.

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

Alberto 

128x128ulul
dynamiclinearity
258 posts
 

Power isn't just for loudness. It's for fidelity. Even at low level on some music peaks can be 20 to 30dB. To play them accurately you need tons of power.

P.S. The comment on Fletcher/Munson also applies. Our ears are flat around 100dB. Bass is way, way down at 80 dB which isn't quiet after all.

jetter
3,033 posts
 

Munson was a catcher with the Yankees.  Not sure why his curve keeps coming up.  

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,671 posts
 

Check out Pathos amps since it is in your neck of the woods!!

https://pathosacoustics.it/en/non-inpol-amplifiers/

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,062 posts
 

The Pass X25 sounds is amazing when I heard it with Tekton monitor impact. The Tekton are at least 92 db.

ericba's avatar
ericba
36 posts
 

Hi Alberto,

Suggest you read the stereophile review from Herb Reichert if Jan 2019if you have not done already. The choice of speakers is very important as they suggest. This is why I went with the XA25 since I have Harbeth 30.2. Another consideration may be resale, if you need to change later on. Ir if you change speakers. The XA25 would be more versatile or easier to sell iIMHO.

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