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Pass Labs 1st Watt Rundown

I have become intrigued with the 1st Watt series and I am trying to wrap my head around the series and the differences within the series, but the internet discussions seem shallow.

Can anyone give me a rundown of the different models, versions, whatever?

What are the differences from one to another?

Did the newer iterations correct problems of the previous models and what were they, or did they simply address differences in power?

Stereo? Monoblocks?

What pre's and the sensitivity of the speakers you used with them.

Anything else you can think of as to characteristics of the different models.

Thanks

 

128x128tonydennison
tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison OP
409 posts
 

Thank you @audphile1 

tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison OP
409 posts
 

@audphile1 

Do you have experience with the AX25? can you compare it to the XA30?

In my mind, If I decided to leave tubes I would first try Pass and these two seem to be where I would start.

 

Thanks

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

@tonydennison I do not have experience with XA25 but there are reviews comparing the XA25 to XA30.8 if I’m not mistaking. Should give you an idea. In any case I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the XA amps provided these amps are a good match with your speakers from the rated power and stability into the load your speakers present. I think with klipsch these Pass amps are going to be a very nice match.

One more piece of information to consider - if you plan on running an XA amp single ended (RCA cables), make sure you have and use the XLR jumpers. Running these amps single ended without the jumpers in place will result in increased noise and they just won’t sound as good. If you end up buying an XA amp used and the jumpers are missing, call Pass Labs and they will send you a pair. Customer support is one of, if not the, best in the industry. 

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