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
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...and the nominees are:

Accuphase A-48 (upper limit $$)

Luxman MQ-88uC (not enough power…maybe)

Pass Labs XA-25 (Trying to find one to audition or used)

Audio Research Reference 75 SE (...or newer)

Coda (not easily found where I live)

@southofdallas I have A48 and P4500.. A48 is better for mid <50W peak power, very smooth/warm, P4500 is excellent for higher volume sounds <150W, rock etc.. P4500 is basically not different from A48 below 5W power.

Than you @westcoastaudiophile! I listen most to jazz and classical music, I think the new A48S 2x50W is at the top of the list.....unless I win the lottery, then it's the A80.

If I understand it correctly: the Accuphase class-A is a push-pull amp, the same as PASS LABS. Do they leave class-A at some level? How much class-A power does the A-48 deliver before drifting into AB?

If I understand it correctly: the Accuphase class-A is a push-pull amp, the same as PASS LABS. Do they leave class-A at some level? How much class-A power does the A-48 deliver before drifting into AB?

@southofdallas This isn't a concern. If a class AB amp had an audible aspect where you could tell it was going into B mode, it literally would not be on your list.

If the amp is competent, the class of operation isn't important. The competence of the amp is! That is why there are class D amps that would do well on your list as well.