@kw6 PM sent yesterday.
I have not had my SST Son of Ampzilla Mk 2 in system for quite some time now and my ’system’ is completely different than when the Ampzilla was serving as my primary amp.
I have not heard the XA-25, though I have had the Pass XA-30.8 in system as my primary amp for a lengthy period (and paired with more of my current system ancillaries, as well).
And since I don’t have your speakers, the Maggie .7s, I cannot provide direct feedback.
Your post and question made me revisit and re-read Herb Reichert’s review of the XA-25. It’s an information filled review and I’m glad your posts made me check it out again.
Instead of offering advice, I’ll ask a few questions:
It is clear from the review that Herb found the XA25 to be very transparent. Since transparency is a hallmark of the .7s...will this (along with the 'floatiness in space') be too much of a good thing for your tastes / needs?
What preamp will you be using, if you decide to purchase the XA25? The preamp to XA25 to Maggie .7s will be a really important point of consideration.
You posted that you are "after resolution, tone and imaging prowess!" From the review, you will certainly get resolution and imaging. Tone will depend on your preferences...you might(?) find the 25 to .7 pairing too lean(?) in tone?
The XA25 (per Herb) sounds more demanding in terms of cable synergy...is this something you are open to pursuing?
Is the music you listen to conducive to the strengths of BOTH the .7s and the XA25?
- David.
