New Aragon 8008 or Pass Labs XA25 ??

RIAA

You are right, but same goes for PASS as class D has shaken off its early shortcomings, AND, with relatively inexpensive GaN amps right around the corner


hth

Sorry but I dont see CLASS D high end (Merrill/Bel Canto/etc) being good investments. You will lose a TON of money trying to resell those...I mean HUGE!!  I cant speak to inexpensive D gear cause I dont play in that sandbox. Im sure nobody would buy a relatively inexpensive CHERRY Amp USED for anywhere near its MSRP.

If you get good deals on PASS..20-30% off MSRP you cant lose too much.

Unless the newer Aragon’s are much better than the old the Pass is a much more refined amp with finesse but still control. The earlier Aragon’s were great amps for the money but I always felt they sounded like a big amp and didn’t disappear but drew too much attention to themselves. You will not regret the Pass.

Mesch - Please do let us know if you audition the Pass XA25 and report on how it compares with your BEL 1001, an amp I had used for many years with great success ( the original Mark I version).

I am considering the PassXA25 as  replacement for my BEL 1001Mk5 when I need to replace it. I am in no hurry however, as the BEL is wonderful and I am upgrading my system from the source downstream to speakers. My BEL was made in 2007, so 13 years old.