Pass Labs 1st Watt Rundown

Steve Guttenberg owns four of the First Watt amps, and also the XA-25, and he reviews and compares them on his youtube channel. Hes also has some really great interviews with Nelson Pass. I see jaduio1 already posted a link. :)

I have both the Pass XA25 and the First Watt SIT-3. They are both good amps in very different ways. The Pass is clear/liquid and transparent, the SIT-3 is very good with tone and texture. I think the Pass pairs better with conventional speakers and the First Watt pairs better with Horns. I've paired the SIT-3 with a Cary SLP-98 and a Battery powered Dodd preamp with good results. If you're looking for an amp that sounds close to tubes, the SIT-3 is your amp. My speakers are 102 db efficient. Also remember that adding resistance across the terminals can tighten the sound of the SIT-3 if its necessary. According to Nelson and I agree the SIT-3 prefers a 4ohm load, but that should be determined on a case by case basis.

I agree that the diyaudio site is fantastic for folks like me that enjoy building stuff or folks that are thinking about it. I'm finishing up a F5 stereo amp and look forward to pairing it with my Fyne F703 speakers.

diyaudio.com Pass Labs Threads

@jaudio1 

Thanks I'll check that out

You simply have to take the plunge. No matter someone’s experience, that doesn’t inform you of what yours will be. 
 

Me, I’ve owned the J2 and F5. Each were very good amps. And I was driving Martin Logan’s at the time. But 25 watts was more than enough to drive the 91dB ML’s.