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Which amp would you choose and why - Pass Labs XA-25 or First Watt F8?

I'm very interested in Nelson designs and hope to upgrade to his low watt offerings for a smaller room I have. Does anyone have experience with the Pass Labs XA-25 and First Watt F8 amps? Both are rated at 25W. What main differences do they have? Which one has better bass?

Preamp: Cary Audio SLP98
Speakers: Tannoy XT8F (91db efficient)
128x128galacticmayan
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yZRdVXT8U0&t=482s
avanti1960
1,480 posts
 
i have an xa25 that is coming into its own after a week and there are moments of absolute brilliance.  power and drive with my 86db Harbeths is more than adequate.  Also running a Cary tube preamp.  
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
570 posts
 
XA25 actually puts out 80 watts or so.  I have had one for a year.  The sound is all I could ask for.  The drop for the F8 at 4 ohms is not what you want.

I won't be trading unless I choose different speakers and that ain't happening.  I didn't get into this to spend my time lugging components in and out of my system.  
galacticmayan's avatar
galacticmayan OP
20 posts
 
I'm current running a Musical Fidelity M6s PRX,so a pretty high watt amp. And it's great but maybe a bit too much power for a small living room.
raceone
18 posts
 
Jeff Day recently reviewed the F8 and compared it to the XA25. Here’s a link to that review:  https://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/first-watt-f8-stereo-amplifier/?fbclid=IwAR0VthPNDQNyh...

Hope that’s helpful insight.
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