I've heard that amp at several audio shows. In my opinion all PL labs are much more well balanced compare to FW amps. XA-25 is more mellow, and as I was discussing it recently, has sort of Aleph signature, but more energetic and has better soundstage (that will mostly depends on your room and speakers). Great amp for sure.
From shows only, in three different setups, including the Zu setup at California Audio Show last year, XA25 is top notch in sound quality. It's got the anti-SS organic thing going, like FW M2. It is vibrant, detailed and tonally rich.
I generally liked XA25 better than the Pass XA30.8, which is also really nice. I never could bond much with the larger Pass Labs amps for whatever reason, but First Watt, VFET, SIT, XA25 and XA30.8 are really good.
I am probably going to get the XA25 for my bass panel (four way active crossover) when and if my wonderful Yamaha B2 VFET bites the dust. I am currently using First Watt M2 on my midrange ribbon, and when warmed up a lot, it is almost too much sonic pleasure.
I generally liked XA25 better than the Pass XA30.8, which is also really nice. I never could bond much with the larger Pass Labs amps for whatever reason, but First Watt, VFET, SIT, XA25 and XA30.8 are really good.
I am probably going to get the XA25 for my bass panel (four way active crossover) when and if my wonderful Yamaha B2 VFET bites the dust. I am currently using First Watt M2 on my midrange ribbon, and when warmed up a lot, it is almost too much sonic pleasure.
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