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

@toronto416 how  did the sound improved with the Parcifals going from class AB to A? Would you recommend class A? 

I heard A75, pushing Fyne speakers.  Warm, musical, extended high, rich mid, dark background and big SS.  Bass is nimble but not as 'punchy' as some class A/B or D amps. Never heard Pass but both pure class A are supposed to be excellent performers.  Both are able to maintain high current / wattage output at impedance even down to 2 ohm, with an output efficiency up to 100%.  The S/N ratio of Accuphase is higher relative to Pass (117 vs 97 dB weighted).  

Another vote for the Pass XA25. It is driving a pair of Harbeth 30.2.

compared it to Ayre at twice the price and Luxman. To me and as reported by many, it is a very neutral and transparent sound. With a tad warmth and pure class A drive. It is being used by many reviewers as a reference amp in that price point because of its qualities.
i am not familiar with your speaker however and the synergy between the two is paramount. Why not try a second hand if you cannot audition? If not fully satisfied it can be easily be resold as it is a blue chip item. 

@southofdallas I think @lanx0003 described Accuphase class A sound really well.  I would add that Class A Accuphase amps have a wonderfully liquid midrange that pairs so well with Verity Audio's midrange excellence.