2. amps-preamps
  3. 135873-111061

Pass Labs XA 25 Cables

I was wondering if any Pass Labs XA25 Amp owners could tell me what they are using for Speaker and interconnect cables. I am looking to upgrade some basic cables and have a budget of about $800.00 + -. Where would I get the most bang for my buck? I have read that the Audioquest Go-4 were a good match, but at 15’ runs that would blow my budget. I currently have a mix of Blue Jeans, Anti Cable Ref1, AudioQuest Evergreen ICs and Canare 4S11 Speaker Cable.

I am not looking to start an overall conversation about cables, just cables that have been used with the XA25, and have had good synergy.

System
Clearaudio Concept
Clearaudio MC cart
Pass Labs XP 15 phono stage
Schitt Yiggdrasil DAC
Rogue Audio RP5 Pre
Pass Labs XA 25 amp
Spatial Audio M3s

Thanks,
Mark O


128x128marktheshark

Showing 5 responses by teajay

teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hey Mark,

I wrote a review on the Pass Labs XA-25 for hometheaterreview.com and believe it's one of the most beautiful SS amps I have ever had in my system.  I bought the review piece were it powers my reference system this very day.  I would recommend you look into MG Cables, I use both their IC's and speaker wires and find them superlative with Pass Lab gear.  Contact Mike Kay of Audio Archon to see what demo /used MG cables he has in stock for reduced prices.
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hey Kw6,

I still use the Linear Tube Audio Micro-ZOTL as my reference linestage with the upgraded power supply.  This combo is the best I have found so far, and the both are very reasonable priced compared to other pieces I have reviewed in this system.
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hey Kw6,

I'm not a fan of digital preamps, which still cannot provide what a great tube based preamp can as far as tonality and space for my ears.
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hey kw6,

Two points:
1) The F6 amplifier produces 50 watts into 4 ohms, the XA-25 when it was measured (Stereophile Review) produced 80 watts into 8 ohms and close to over 120 watts into 4 ohms-way over the very conservative rating done by Pass Labs. 

2) I never comment out of ignorance.  I have heard the Audible Illusions L3A, but never in my system or a rig that I have spent a lot of time listening to.  I have had over seven highly regarded tube/SS based preamplifiers in my reviewing system and the Micro-ZOTL, with the right NOS tubes, still is the overall champ.   
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hi Kw6,

The power supply is the upgraded linear power version.
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