What Class A is better? SUGDEN FPA-4 or PASS LABS XA-25

Hey Sacresta,

I have heard amplifiers from Sugden on many occasions and just reviewed the XA25 for hometheaterreview.com. 

The Sugden amplifiers are quite good in their performance and might compare rather favorably to Pass Labs XA.5 series of amplifiers.  However, the XA25, which does not even use the same circuit design as the XA.8 series is on a much higher level of performance then the Sugden amplifier.  For my tastes the XA25 replaced my XA-60.8 mono blocks in my reference system.  I don't think the Sugden even is on the level of performance of the XA.8 series, therefore it's not even close in my opinion.  For details on the XA25's performance take a look at my review.   

kosst_amojan,

Good ! Thank you for your comment once again. 

teajay,

Thanks a lot. Interesting opinion.

I heard a Sugden a few years ago driving a pair of Harbeths 30.1 and it was a match made in heaven.  I have heard the Pass 30.8 but not the xa25.  The 30.8 is tough to beat if you have the rack room, a strong back and need a large space heater.  The Pass xa25 solves all the negatives I have listed with the .8 series and Teajay's review is more and favorible. Btw I am in the market for a low power amp and the xa25 and the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 are my top 2 choices.

Looking at the parts only inside viewpoint, the Pass25 has got the nod over the Sugden.

Bigger trany
More supply capacitance
Multiple smaller PS caps for lower esr
More heatsink fin area, which makes me question the Sugden’s amount of Class-A.

Pass:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/passlabs3/open.jpg

Sugden:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5d/79/d3/5d79d3b2cae87e51ce6b5adc221db1bc--audio.jpg

Cheers George