First Watt/Pass Labs with Totem speakers

M

msommers

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I'm looking at getting rid of my integrated amp as my new dac has a built in preamp of good quality. I've always wanted to go class A and I know the Totems love current but with 87db and 4ohm I wonder if amps like Pass Labs XA30.5 or First Watt F6/7 are up to task to drive these.

I very rarely listen over 80db, usually between 65-75db and my room isn't overly large. Listening distance is about 3m from tweeter to ear.
 
XA30.8 would great. The XA30.5 is no longer available new. Another option is the X250.8. I have the X350.8 and honestly, it's one of the best amps I've ever owned - at any price. I prefer it to the XA100.8 on down. The XA160.8 is another animal all together. The X250.8 sounds like the 350.8 just a little less power.


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Personally I'd go for AB with high bias class A. As far as I know the XA series of pass actually is class AB. Look at brand like Gryphon, Vitus, Pass, Symphnonic Line etc.
 
Mordante said:
Personally I'd go for AB with high bias class A. As far as I know the XA series of pass actually is class AB. Look at brand like Gryphon, Vitus, Pass, Symphnonic Line etc.
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The xa30.5 is Class A up to 30watts then the amp transitions into class-B for the top 6dB of its dynamic-range.
 
Thanks for the recommendations everyone. My budget would be at most $3,000USD as our Canadian dollar is complete garbage at the moment.

My first amp was a Jolida 502 with upgraded tubes and I was also surprised by that amp and Totem Hawks. It had a lovely sparkle but a really flabby bottom end which is why I went to the Hegel. Now I'm looking for an amp that can do both well which I realize isn't easy but the Pass Labs seems like a solid attempt at that.
 
It really comes down to your needs. There have been a lot of good suggestions in this thread.

I own and love a First Watt F6. The speakers I use are only 85 dB efficiency and are 4 ohm. The F6 is 25 WPC into 8 ohm, but 50 WPC into 4 ohm. The F7 is 20 WPC into 8 ohm but only 30 WPC into 4 ohm.

The F6 is a very sweat sounding amplifier and for my use has plenty of power. People have told me that the amplifier does not have enough power for my speakers, but for my use it gets louder than I ever listen.

The bottom line is that the First Watt amplifiers are very special amplifiers and the added bonus is you have Nelson Pass himself standing behind them. Oh, Nelson also told me he has not had one, literally zero break downs on his First Watt amplifiers in over 12 years producing them. He has actually become a good e-mail friend (his words) of mine through my connection as a First Watt owner. Pass Labs is his commercial line and are fantastic amplifiers. It comes down to personal preference and budget. I like the industrial design of the First Watt and believe you get an excellent value for your budget dollar!
 
First watt F6 is one of the best solid state amps I have heard. That includes a lot of pass labs amps too, including 30.8
 
I also have an F6 as part of my amp collection . It is a great amp that can be had for around $2300. Can't say it's better than the Bottle Head 300b's , just different. Get one.
 
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