bobheinatz-
I bought my XA-25 after scouring the audio reviews. I wanted to buy an amp that would satisfy the upgrade itch for sometime. I came to the conclusion that Nelson Pass was the audiophile version of Moses, and his amplifiers were like commandments. (more than 10) Another thing that I liked was the fact that he'll actually answer his email's. So after conferring with NP and Sean Casey of Zu Audio, about the First Watt F-7, J-2 & Sit 3. I decided to buy the XA-25. I thought that It would be the most versatile, if I ever decided to buy another set of contrasting speakers, like Maggies; and it would adequately mate with my Audio Research LS-3.
I think the XA-25 might be very sensitive to speaker cables. I just recently received the Libtec speaker cables from Zu audio e-bay and that was a significant difference in sound right out of the box, from the Mission Mk l's. So far it's been very transparent with good bass and plenty of power. I have not had an issue with "thinness" that a few have described.
I hope my twisted sense of humor didn't offend too many.
You probably couldn't go wrong with any of the Pass Labs/First Watt amps.
IMHO