2. amps-preamps
  3. 192823-200336

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
pwoodard922
40 posts
 

I have not heard Accuphase amps, but recently added a Pass XA-25 to my system.  I have previously owned the First Watt M2 and Sit-3 amps.  I am using the XA-25 with high sensitivity open baffle speakers (100dB, 8 ohms) and Fritz tower speakers (unknown sensitivity, 4 ohms).  My description is that the sound is enveloping.  Detailed, beautiful.  It digs deeper into the music than my two other amps, a 45 stereo amp and 46 monoblocks.  I love those amps with the open baffle speakers, but the Pass in my system just makes me smile and listen for longer. I also get the sense that it has more powerful than advertised. Also it is built like a tank.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,255 posts
 

@jc4659 

I have tried to drive this point home to the OP in two separate posts. I fear it will go unheeded.

grislybutter
3,569 posts
 

they are highly sensitive speakers, why not a tube amp?

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,255 posts
 

they are highly sensitive speakers, why not a tube amp?

Because they are not highly sensitive speakers.

They aren't even mildly sensitive speakers.......

laaudionut
287 posts
 

Coda Model 16 or the S5.5. I have had several Pass models, the XA60.8, and the 160.8, and each take a back seat to Coda in terms of well...everything.

 

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