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- #1
Joe, what preamp and speakers are you driving it with and can you describe what makes it so special?
I'm using the Luxman C900u, but Mike insists the Ref 10 kills with it. I'll take his word.
I've been using the Revel Studio2. For me, it feels like it has more than enough power. I'll be honest, coming from the Dags, the first week with the XA25 was a little rough. Not smooth and a little aggressive on top but after a few days in, it really started to open up, smooth out and sweeten up. Of course the price delta is substantial but now, it's holding its own.
Slightly more tube-like compared to other SS amps. Very natural vocals. Piano is wonderful. Sweet, pure and delicate tone with plenty of meat on the bone. I don't crank my music but it goes loud enough for me. Bass is a little rounder and fuller than higher wattage SS. The last review stated it tops out at 80wpc @ 8 ohms and 140wpc @ 4 ohms. My Studio2 are about 6 ohms and works great.
I can only imagine speakers like the Verity Othello or Mike's AG Duos (or Unos for that matter), or any slightly more sensitive speakers. OMG! Love this amp. While high (and higher) power amps are necessary and have their place, I ultimately prefer simpler, more modest amps, so long as they are up to the speakers at hand. The XA25 seems to be an open window to what is the best of tubes and SS. An absolute bargain.
