Hey bobheinatz,
First, the XA-25 offers more flexibility when it comes to driving more speakers. It really measures at close to 80 watts into a 8 ohm load. If you do not need that much power, then it really becomes a "horse race" regarding which one of these great amplifiers would I choose.
The LTA Ultralinear offers the pristine colors and emotional intimacy of a SET design. It reminds me of a 2A3 SET, which happens to be my favorite power tube. The XA-25 sounds more like a great 300B SET, which is amazing in that it a solid state design. Both are extremely detailed and transparent and are extended on both the top and bottom end.
So, which do you like better a 2A3 or 300B signature? Does your system tend be slightly cool or warm based on your source, preamp, and speakers. For my tastes, in my smaller system that uses very efficient speakers I would choose the LTA.
First, the XA-25 offers more flexibility when it comes to driving more speakers. It really measures at close to 80 watts into a 8 ohm load. If you do not need that much power, then it really becomes a "horse race" regarding which one of these great amplifiers would I choose.
The LTA Ultralinear offers the pristine colors and emotional intimacy of a SET design. It reminds me of a 2A3 SET, which happens to be my favorite power tube. The XA-25 sounds more like a great 300B SET, which is amazing in that it a solid state design. Both are extremely detailed and transparent and are extended on both the top and bottom end.
So, which do you like better a 2A3 or 300B signature? Does your system tend be slightly cool or warm based on your source, preamp, and speakers. For my tastes, in my smaller system that uses very efficient speakers I would choose the LTA.