This is for Georgehifi especially but others can chime in.

bubba 12
I have the Pass XP12 running through a pair of AVM 3.2 Mono's (which are D class) I tried the Pass XA 25 with my Dyn C1 Plat.
They just like more power... I also use a comet dac with this set up
I am not pushing D class but it does work well with the system
I am sure there are a number of power amps that will do a nice job
good luck with your search
Dennis

All passives basically suck.

Your First Watt amps have very little or no gain, I can see this maybe your reason behind this statement.
But that’s your opinion, and you are entitled to it.
It is a totally incorrect statement if there is no impedance mismatch or gain problems as First Watt amps will have, there is only transparency, dynamics, and distortion advantages over any active/buffered preamp with or without gain.

As quoted by Nelson Pass:
" What could be better? Hardly any noise or distortion added by these simple passive parts. No feedback, no worrying about what type of capacitors – just musical perfection."

Cheers George

@dsremer  I will be getting 260.8 monos from Pass Labs or 60.8. The XA 25 is not enough juice. I agree. I will have plebty with monos. I am going to stick with the XP 12 preamp. I’m enjoying all the suggestions and interesting asides on this thread.Thankyou everybody.