Review on Linear Tube Audo Ultralinear amplifier just went up on Six Moons.com

Berning / First Sound ?

Teajay,
Enjoyed reading your review.  I am in the final stages of my search for a new amp and have always enjoy a good tube amp. Having narrowed my choices down to the Pass xa25 and LTA Ultralinear could you tell me the sonic differences between the two?  My speakers will work with either amp. So which of the two amps would you buy if you could only afford one?

If anyone else has heard these two amps please chime in.

@bobheinatz -- the xa25 is a great amp, but here are a couple other Class-A amps you might want to consider.  As far as tube amps, Don Sach's KT88 amp is getting some impressive reviews as well.  Sorry if I'm just muddying the waters!

https://highend-electronics.com/products/valvet-e2

http://www.triaudio.com/s40.html

http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20kt88%20tube%20amp.html

Hey bobheinatz,

First, the XA-25 offers more flexibility when it comes to driving more speakers.  It really measures at close to 80 watts into a 8 ohm load.  If you do not need that much power, then it really becomes a "horse race" regarding which one of these great amplifiers would I choose.

The LTA Ultralinear offers the pristine colors and emotional intimacy of a SET design.  It reminds me of a 2A3 SET, which happens to be my favorite power tube.  The XA-25 sounds more like a great 300B SET, which is amazing in that it a solid state design.  Both are extremely detailed and transparent and are extended on both the top and bottom end.  

So, which do you like better a 2A3 or 300B signature?  Does your system tend be slightly cool or warm based on your source, preamp, and speakers.  For my tastes, in my smaller system that uses very efficient speakers I would choose the LTA.