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

@ghdprentice +1

Completely agree and I have had several examples just in my own house. My Leben 15w CS-300xs sounds substantially better than a Cary SLI-80HS (80 watts ultralinear) with my Forte III’s. The Leben also far outperforms my 30w Sudgen A21SE with the same Forte III’s. My Pass XA30.8 (30w) paired significantly better than another Cary 120w amp with my Spendor D7’s. Circuit topology, transformers, impedance matches, etc all matter when it comes to amp/speaker synergy. It really is not as linear as just saying "get all the power you can" to ensure a good sound. That works sometimes, but not in every situation.

I wish the XA25 had balanced inputs

@aberyclark 

i wished it did too but i was able to use the balanced outs on my preamp and balanced cables by using a neutrik xlr to rca adaptor at the amp.  
sounds better than using rca to rca.  

@avanti1960.

Have you tried just using single ended preamp outs? I would be shocked if using the balanced out and converting to single ended would sound better than just using single ended. Pass is one of the greatest amp designers of all time. If he wanted to use balanced input they would be there.

i live 25mins from Pass Labs. Have been there a few times and given a tour and education at the same time. Great people, even meet the man.  i am a Pass Labs dude!  the 25 will have more bass control with your speakers.  the F8 is their version of a solid state tube amp. that said, the only way to really know is to listen to both of them