Pass....Accuphase....or......


Hi Audiogoners!

I need a new power amp to my Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation (18 watts minimum recommended input power / 8 ohm).

Have a Mark Levinson No.532 that keeps broking down and it's getting too expensive to fix in Europe. 

Music: Classical/symphonic and jazz.

Room: 13 x 26

Preamp: Auralic DAC/Pre (but this can change....)

Ideas so far:

Pass Labs XA-25 (hype or really good and powerful enough?)

Accuphase A-48 (too polite?)

If you have a minute....I need ideas in that price range...+/- $$. Thanks!

 

southofdallas

@OP  - The build quality of the Michis is not in the same league as the Pass. And yes, the XA 25 is quite different sounding to the 250. The 25 doubles its power as impedance is halved so it has a lot more real world power than the nominal specification suggests. Pass Class A amps are very refined sounding so they can sound less "loud" than some other designs - that puts some people off on a quick audition. The XA 25's input gain is slightly on the low side so you need to check overall compatibility with your system. I think your Veritys are on the high side of average efficiency-wise so it will probably work. As always, the best solution is to find a good dealer who will provide an audition with your own DAC/Pre and speakers.

For what it’s worth, here is my input as a hardcore Accuphase fanboy. For amplification I have C-3900, and A-300s, driving TAD CR1TX. I’ve had other models before.

Please consider the following input based on my experience:

  • Incredibly smooth and distortion free Class A power. If you like distortion, which sounds nice for some music, you can add it with DSP pro-audio plugins. If your chain has it you can never get it out. 
  • The power ratings are always under specified. I’ve never had a lack of power even with smaller models at normal listening levels
  • Extremely well made and reliable. I’ve never had a breakdown and don’t know anyone that has. Maybe someone here has experienced a broken Accuphase but it is unicorn rare. 

I have recently discovered Audionet and I am really enjoying an AMP 1 v2 and their PRE G2. They are worth an audition.

I use an XA25 to drive a set of ZU Omen Def Supremes in a 24x21 room it is far more powerful than the ratings would make you think. The amp easily powers to 95 db at my listening position with power to spare. The ZUs are effecient. The amp is built like a tank. It is my final amp purchase I couldn’t be happier with a product.