LTA Ultralinear vs Pass Labs XA25

Any new impressions?

The XA25 arrived this afternoon and my very early impressions before breaking it in are that it sounds very detailed, sweet and MUCH more dynamic. I assume this is because of the fact that the ZOTL 10 was struggling a bit with the Salk’s 88db efficiency. I’m very psyched so far. I assume the soundstage will open more as it breaks in but it already sounds layered and wide. More to come when I listen in depth over the next days. Stay tuned.

I've got both right now driving a pair of Tannoy Eaton's (89/8). LTA reference pre in front w/ a Rockna Wavedream DAC. 

Can't go wrong with either. I personally prefer the XA25. More detail, faster, more spacious, dense images. Extremely transparent. 

The UL has a boogie factor that is incredible. Really captures the emotion/feel/touch of a player well - especially during a solo.  UL also has a little sprinkle of inner tube glow which is great. 

@benrosser

Any more updates on the XA25 Pairing with your salk speakers? Can you also comment on the size of your room?

I’m considering the XA25 with 90db efficiency Spendor D7s, which are 8ohm nominal but dip to 4ohm in the bass regions. Wondering if the XA25 will have enough juice.

@shahram 
Absolutely. My room is on the smaller side at 14x20. 
I’ve had the xa25 for around 6 months now and have put hundreds of hours on it. Still driving my Salk HT2-TL speakers with the Gungnir Multibit and Don Sachs Preamp. I can say it has more than enough power for my 88db Salks and never seems to loose the incredible dynamics the Pass has to offer, even at higher volumes. The power of the Pass bellies it’s on paper specs by a long shot. Don’t quote me on this but it seems to have more like 100wpc. This all being said, I haven’t heard the Spendor D7’s. I hear the Pass xa25 and Harbeth Super HL5 plus speakers is a wonderful combo and those are low at 86db. The pass seems to have quite the headroom.