It may be an unfair question and unfair comparison, yet I ask.
I planned building F4 amp and started to purchase the necessary parts for it (so far, not much).
Today the local Pass Labs dealer came to my humble abode and demonstrated the XA30.5 on my system. My jaw dropped, I just loved it. Alas, it is very expansive for me, being retired with no monetary reserves, only a monthly income. I can somehow manage to purchase it, but it will be a big burden on me.
This is why I ask this (maybe unfair) question: did anyone compare the F4 with XA30.5 and can comment on the sound quality difference between the two?
I planned building F4 amp and started to purchase the necessary parts for it (so far, not much).
Today the local Pass Labs dealer came to my humble abode and demonstrated the XA30.5 on my system. My jaw dropped, I just loved it. Alas, it is very expansive for me, being retired with no monetary reserves, only a monthly income. I can somehow manage to purchase it, but it will be a big burden on me.
This is why I ask this (maybe unfair) question: did anyone compare the F4 with XA30.5 and can comment on the sound quality difference between the two?
My present pre amp is a tube one, with enough gain.
On any combo of pre amp and power amp, each one of the two influences the total sound.
Do you mean the power needed, or the sound quality?
In my experience, the sound quality of any given combination of pre amp and power amp is what it is, while the sound quality of the speakers is what it is.
A hint, I have excellent speakers, Brodmann VC2. They reflect accurately the sound quality of whatever is there before them.
The context between and F3 and an XA30.5 is so different that I frankly
have never considered the comparison.
I like to think of the F4 as a fine output stage for SETs or an interesting
alternative to other low-power amplifiers, assuming a high output preamp.
The XA30.5 has greater control, more power and lower distortion.
And voltage gain.
Not to say that the F4 isn't sweet...
have never considered the comparison.
I like to think of the F4 as a fine output stage for SETs or an interesting
alternative to other low-power amplifiers, assuming a high output preamp.
The XA30.5 has greater control, more power and lower distortion.
And voltage gain.
Not to say that the F4 isn't sweet...
The F4 is very clean as well the F5, but I have both and a XA30.5 too, and for me the XA30.5 sounds better than the F4 and F5 (Subtle but enough for me), but sometimes I like the F4 and sometimes the F5 (Taste matters).
If the speaker have less than 93 dB 1W/m I'll choose the XA30.5 hands down.
If the speaker have less than 93 dB 1W/m I'll choose the XA30.5 hands down.
With two F4's you can get more watts but the same sound.
I bought the XA30.5 for my ESL2805 (Low sensitivity speakers), but I done the listening tests between amplifiers with my 96dB 1m/W speakers.
The F4 are a very good sounding amplifier (With an adequate preamplifier), but IMMO the XA30.5 sounds better
I bought the XA30.5 for my ESL2805 (Low sensitivity speakers), but I done the listening tests between amplifiers with my 96dB 1m/W speakers.
The F4 are a very good sounding amplifier (With an adequate preamplifier), but IMMO the XA30.5 sounds better
Should work great.
We just have to recognize that they are different amplifiers. I like them
both, but they offer a different sound. If you have harder-to-drive
loudspeakers then you would definitely want the XA30.5,
Hi Joshua,
It took me some time.....
Besides the question what sounds better and the implication to blame possibly either the First Watt Line or the XA-line I have a hint.....
If you want to participate the next years with the First Watt and BA-line and if you like to build amps for sure the F4 is the better choice......
If you are not interested in building and you want a final shot, take the XA!
But I warn you, I bought an Accuphase to have the final gear at home, half a year later I changed the volume pot the, preamplifier section and so on......I sold it later.
I liked more the chance to build, to have development, to have a community....
I would even do it knowing, the XA line sounds three times better.....
But of course the 92db of your speakers make the decision more difficult!
It took me some time.....
Besides the question what sounds better and the implication to blame possibly either the First Watt Line or the XA-line I have a hint.....
If you want to participate the next years with the First Watt and BA-line and if you like to build amps for sure the F4 is the better choice......
If you are not interested in building and you want a final shot, take the XA!
But I warn you, I bought an Accuphase to have the final gear at home, half a year later I changed the volume pot the, preamplifier section and so on......I sold it later.
I liked more the chance to build, to have development, to have a community....
I would even do it knowing, the XA line sounds three times better.....
But of course the 92db of your speakers make the decision more difficult!
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