2. amps-preamps
  3. 135873-111061

Pass Labs XA 25 Cables

I was wondering if any Pass Labs XA25 Amp owners could tell me what they are using for Speaker and interconnect cables. I am looking to upgrade some basic cables and have a budget of about $800.00 + -. Where would I get the most bang for my buck? I have read that the Audioquest Go-4 were a good match, but at 15’ runs that would blow my budget. I currently have a mix of Blue Jeans, Anti Cable Ref1, AudioQuest Evergreen ICs and Canare 4S11 Speaker Cable.

I am not looking to start an overall conversation about cables, just cables that have been used with the XA25, and have had good synergy.

System
Clearaudio Concept
Clearaudio MC cart
Pass Labs XP 15 phono stage
Schitt Yiggdrasil DAC
Rogue Audio RP5 Pre
Pass Labs XA 25 amp
Spatial Audio M3s

Thanks,
Mark O


128x128marktheshark
teajay
1,691 posts
 
Hey kw6,

Two points:
1) The F6 amplifier produces 50 watts into 4 ohms, the XA-25 when it was measured (Stereophile Review) produced 80 watts into 8 ohms and close to over 120 watts into 4 ohms-way over the very conservative rating done by Pass Labs. 

2) I never comment out of ignorance.  I have heard the Audible Illusions L3A, but never in my system or a rig that I have spent a lot of time listening to.  I have had over seven highly regarded tube/SS based preamplifiers in my reviewing system and the Micro-ZOTL, with the right NOS tubes, still is the overall champ.   
kw6
692 posts
 
Yes you are right! Thanks for clarifying that up Terry!

 I remember i owned an AL mod 3a over 10 yrs ago and didn't notice any special 3d capabilities! And I hated  the transformer hum in the power supply. I don't know how current units sound.  But I did hear the AL L1 paired with classe ca-100 with Maggie  M12 and  boy was that sound palpable. On the ultimate demo disk from chesky. The saxophone  solo track was so present fully fleshed out. And the tak tak of the keys just there in the room.
wlutke
725 posts
 
I used Nordost Frey 2 to phono, Frey 2 to line, with Tyr 2 from line to amp.  The highs were detailed but not sweet.  I then tried Acoustic Zen Absolute copper from pre to amp instead of the Tyr 2 and, although there was an improvement in listenability, it was not involving.  I'm now using AQ Earth there and it sings.  The XA-25 reveals the sound of interconnects like no other amp I've owned.  It has taught me the meaning of transparent.  Looking for cables that will sound good with this amp is like asking what spice tastes good with a fork.  What's cookin' upstream and downstream is much more important.
kw6
692 posts
 
Hi Terry,

Regarding the Micro Z2 pre were you using the linear power supply  or the switching one?

Thanks!
teajay
1,691 posts
 
Hi Kw6,

The power supply is the upgraded linear power version.
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