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Pass Labs Int 25 vs Int 60

I'm curious if anyone has had a chance to listen to these two integrated amplifiers.

I know the Int 25 is basically the XA25 with a preamp. The Int 60 runs class A to 30 watts (and uses the same preamp) so maybe it's more closely related to the XA30.8, though I don't believe I've read that anywhere.

Anyway, I think from a power perspective both will be fine with my 90db floorstanders. My main question is which is the warmer, smoother of the two amps? Even if that means being darker and more veiled, I would want to go with that amp!

Thanks.
shahram
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@stevehuff Really great comparisons in that review Steve.  For people who haven't clicked yet, Steve also has top-quality integrateds from Luxman, Vinnie La Rossie, and Line Magnetic on hand for comparisons.  What a privilege to have those in the stable... all beautiful in their own way I'm sure.  And really an accomplishment for Nelson to have come out on top...
bluorion
477 posts
 
@stevehuff Great review of the INT-25! Being class A, how warm does it get? Thanks.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,681 posts
 
I haven't read the review yet, but I can pretty much guess what it says. This is by far the best, bar none, amp Steve has ever heard. This is it! The end game, the final stop!

Give him 6 months and you'll hear about Pass Labs shortcomings when the next 'end game' amp shows up. :)
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@bluorion With any Nelson Pass design you should assume it'll get pretty warm.  I think his general rule is to keep it around a level where you can keep your hand on the heat sinks for about 5 seconds before being forced to pull away.  I've had an XA-25 in my room, and it wasn't crazy hot, but I don't think you'd want to stuff it in a cabinet or anything.
stevehuff
43 posts
 
Just an update. I have had many amps in for review over the last few months and the INT-25 is still tops in my book for a few reasons. 

I have an INT-250, INT-25, XP-10 and XA 60.8's, a couple of Tube integrated, a Schiit Freya + and Aegir. I have a Yamaha integrated here as well as a Cary 300 SEI. 

Running these into my Heresy IV and LaScala AL5's the INT-25 is amazingly sweet. The INT-250 is neck and neck and provides a bit more bass heft but loses a but of that sweetness than the 25 excels at. The separates of XP-10 and XA60.8 are all about smooth and density. I love those as well but at the end of the day when you favor in cost, heat. and cost to run the INT-25 truly wins if you are running speakers that are not so demanding. 

For the $$ it's tough to beat in the integrated world. I have become a huge fan of Pass Labs and to date have-not heard any other products or brands that I prefer when it comes to amplification. Nelson Pass IS INDEED a genius.
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