Demo'ing Class A amps, Appreciation Suggestions from those who recently been there


I recently sold my Cary S120MKll Amp in 2 days. It was 60wpc triode.
Filling in with Pass Lab, baby DIY Class A Mono blocks. Maxing at 7 wpc.
My speakers are rated 94 Sensitivity older FSMs by Tannoy.

I have sampled so far in order of preference:

-Pass Labs XA25 -Disneyland color the way I like it. $4,900 new
-Leben 300 Int. 12 wpc. EL 84s by Golden Lion-Like an Upscale call girl. Seductive. $4,000 new-Not in the running-

-Lejonklou Boazu Int.-40wpc S.S. Class a/b-Totally Pure. Almost hurts to hear a guitar slide. $4,000 new
-Sugden Masterclass IA 4 Class A to 33wpc. Very smooth but surprisingly not a great match with my Tannoys. $6,000?

What else would you think might be worth a listen?
I want to go Solid State this time. I enjoy the Class A resolution.
Yes the Leben is an outlier someone offered and I said "Sure"! Done with hum otherwise.


I listen from a low of 60 db to high of 75 db.
Room is irregular and medium sized in terms of cubic
feet. Treated as needed.

I want an amp that is satisfying enough to keep for the long run.
Someday I may add the others for a different sound or with less efficient planars, etc.

Price range $5k max.
Used preferred.
Willing to wait.

Brands I am have not heard but read positive comments about:
Ayre, Naim, Linn

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts.
Please do not feel compelled to respond if you
have not been here in the last few years.





chorus
Just wanted to chime in that the XA25 and Int-25 are rated at 25 watts, which is a very conservative rating defined only by what amount THD they were willing to live with. They both tested into around 80 watts at 1% distortion. I think both will have plenty of power for your sensitive speakers.
I just realized I had my my speaker's treble settings were  maxed to high side when I used the Cary. When I auditioned the Pass XA25 I did not change them. I think this is why the ear burn was felt.

I think after reading the many well made suggestions -for which I thank each participant's contribution-  I will most likely buy the XA25.

Then I will buy the Supratek Chardonnay as a preamp.
Not only do I like the 6SN7 tube, I also like the name Chardonnay.
Further I love the appearance of this piece of art. It is likely
a true fool's errand to buy something made on a continent I will likely never visit, but it seems the most musical piece $2,000 will buy.

Anyone visiting Phoenix from June on that would care to hear
my system, please get in touch.

Best,

Jeff
Pulled the trigger on a 12 month old Pass Labs XA25 at $3k
today.
Nice! Please let us know how it goes. I've been eyeing this amp as well. Do you mind revealing where you got it?