Pass Labs XA25

I've had a Pass XA-25 for maybe 5 years or something (is that vague enough?) and it's an astonishing amp with unequaled clarity and transparency. Although I rotate it from time to time with a Dennis Had tube SEP that has a similar sound...or at least an equally enjoyable sound...with the efficient speakers I use (just switched to Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horn 1s) either amp just makes my earballs glow. And glowing earballs is what you want, right?

I think the First Watt stuff is cool, but the XA-25 (note that like the First Watt stuff it's utterly unique in its design...especially compared to any other Pass amp) and my Had amp cover my bases so well I'm unlikely to spend another 5 grand or so out of curiosity (also, I don't want the other amps to become jealous...they have feelings after all). If I didn't have a Pass already I'd certainly try a First Watt as everything about 'em makes sense. If anybody wants to loan me one I'll pay shipping. Nice of me right?

Anybody notice that recently Pass has run full page adds for the XA-25 in major gear magazines? Maybe they have a surplus of 'em or something but the wait for shipping makes that seem unlikely. It's all good as some feel it's the best amp Pass makes (doubtful, but it makes me feel "special"). 

While watching the Absolute Sound tour of Pass Labs they showed an interior shot of the XA25 and I observed a Tamura 3FD-320 transformer mounted to the circuit board. I googled the purpose of the transformer.

The Tamura 3FD-320 transformer is typically used in high-end audio applications to provide isolation and improve sound quality by reducing noise and distortion. It helps in converting voltage levels while maintaining audio fidelity, making it suitable for high-performance audio equipment.