2. amps-preamps
  3. 172779-147734

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?

 

barrista0611
chorus
976 posts
 

buy the F8 or the XA25.

barrista0611 OP
26 posts
 

@chorus  OK could you elaborate that a bit? And are you able to compare them with the F6? 

chorus
976 posts
 

Not heard the F6 or 8. reviews say 8 is big jump up.

SIT 3 is the FW to own per experts.

XA25 used is cheaper. Owned that and went to the INT25.

 

Not sure what your speakers require in power but the Pass

measures much more wpc than FW.

 

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

FW probably won’t,unless you’re running 95db or higher speakers, get you to ear bleed volume.  However, owning a couple FW amps with some relatively easy to drive speakers,they are spectacular at what they do. I have an F5,and when I decided to get a second FW amp,I was considering the F6,F7,or J2. I ended up purchasing a lightly used J2.  I absolutely love it. I do still wonder what the F6,or F7 would have sounded in my systems,but no regrets.  Think about what your needs are as far as volume.  I listen at mid to low levels,and FW never disappoints. 

mikem
260 posts
 

I owned the XA25 and now the SIT3. I had these both side by side for 6 months before I decided to keep the SIT3. 
The XA25 has more drive and is quite neutral sounding..  A bit flat compared to the SIT3, but a better match if your speakers are not efficient. 

The F8 was designed to replace the J2 and is bit different sonically according to FW documentation. One of Nelsons partners, Joe Summat, who sadly passed on a few years back and was the “keen” hearing guru at Pass labs said the F8 was the best sounding amp of the FW lineup. This was 6 years ago when it was designed and recently put in production.  
I love how each FW amp is a different flavor and needs the right pairing of speakers to get the most from it..  

More to discover