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Pass XA 25 versus Parasound A21+ - anyone compare?

Basically I'm looking at solid state amps to run my current Totem Rainmakers - with the possibility of upgrading the speakers to Joseph Audio Pulsars (used if I can find some) as well.

My listening room is modest sized - about 18' by 13" with 8' foot ceiling.

Rest of system: Naim cd 5 player, Hana EL cartridge on a vintage Pioneer 600 table, Classe DR 5 II preamp.  Amp to be replaced is original Adcom 555.

I'm thinking both could work well, with the Parasound providing more dynamics and the Pass more finesse.  Obviously the Pass is about an extra $1000, which is a factor given the modestly priced system.  Also no balanced option with the Pass - not sure that is important.

BTW no Pass or Joseph dealer in my area (Atlanta), though Parasound is available for a listen.

Thoughts?
bobbydd
avanti1960
1,487 posts
 
@shahram

i did sell the steteo 100 . excellent amp but there were times i wanted a little more volume. the a21+ does that very well without losing much.
the stereo100 would have been perfect with higher efficiency speakers than my 86db harbeths.  
avanti1960
1,487 posts
 
Just received a pass XA25 and have it running for a solid 24 hrs.
I will be comparing to my Parasound a21+ that has matured well in my system for several months.
So far the XA25 sounds grainy and edgy in the upper midrange and lower treble.
The a21+ is nothing but smooth.
I will give the XA25 a few weeks, it does have its moments but compared to the buzz on this amp it is a big disappointment early on.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@avanti1960 Is the Pass brand new or did you acquire it used with hours on it? I ask because Pass recommends running in their brand new amps for about 5 days straight 24/7 as an initial break-in measure. It did make a difference back when I had a brand new XA30.8. After initial break-in they only take 30 minutes to warm up in my experience.
avanti1960
1,487 posts
 
thanks, yes it is new.  being patient is key at the moment i guess.  
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
I experienced the grainy/edgy sonics when I was recently running in another Class A SS amp - my Sugden A21SE.  It smoothed out remarkably after about 2 weeks of normal use (perhaps 30-40 hrs total).  I didn't try running it 24/7 for 5 days.  
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