Pass....Accuphase....or......


Hi Audiogoners!

I need a new power amp to my Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation (18 watts minimum recommended input power / 8 ohm).

Have a Mark Levinson No.532 that keeps broking down and it's getting too expensive to fix in Europe. 

Music: Classical/symphonic and jazz.

Room: 13 x 26

Preamp: Auralic DAC/Pre (but this can change....)

Ideas so far:

Pass Labs XA-25 (hype or really good and powerful enough?)

Accuphase A-48 (too polite?)

If you have a minute....I need ideas in that price range...+/- $$. Thanks!

 

southofdallas

I heard A75, pushing Fyne speakers.  Warm, musical, extended high, rich mid, dark background and big SS.  Bass is nimble but not as 'punchy' as some class A/B or D amps. Never heard Pass but both pure class A are supposed to be excellent performers.  Both are able to maintain high current / wattage output at impedance even down to 2 ohm, with an output efficiency up to 100%.  The S/N ratio of Accuphase is higher relative to Pass (117 vs 97 dB weighted).  

Another vote for the Pass XA25. It is driving a pair of Harbeth 30.2.

compared it to Ayre at twice the price and Luxman. To me and as reported by many, it is a very neutral and transparent sound. With a tad warmth and pure class A drive. It is being used by many reviewers as a reference amp in that price point because of its qualities.
i am not familiar with your speaker however and the synergy between the two is paramount. Why not try a second hand if you cannot audition? If not fully satisfied it can be easily be resold as it is a blue chip item. 

@southofdallas I think @lanx0003 described Accuphase class A sound really well.  I would add that Class A Accuphase amps have a wonderfully liquid midrange that pairs so well with Verity Audio's midrange excellence. 

Thank you all! I think I get the picture.

And in case you are curious about how much Marc Levinson ....or Harman Luxury Audio wants to fix a working but overheating right channel on my No.532, the price is 50.000 USD + the cost to send the amp to another country and back. Real luxury ;)

 

 

@OP - The build quality of the Michis is not in the same league as the Pass.

@yoyoyaya not in the same league eh? Thought the Michis were a Ken Ishiwata project before he passed away.

So, care to explain how nelson pass is on a "different league" n all?

For whatever it’s worth, I own a electronics company. But, I am always learning, willing to be educated....Feel free to take your time, let’s go board by board and explore this dark art of analog circuits design together.. as you demystify it for me..