[NoahH]

My amp search continues.

Several folks suggested Pass Labs XA60.8s. I am struggling to find any used and the new price is meaningful.

Has anyone run smaller Pass units - XA25 or XA30.8s with the NX-tremes? Is it too little power?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would also consider the Pass X150.5/150.8, 250.5/250.8

The XA30.8 should be able to drive the NX's well.  It is 30wpc Class A at 8 ohms and doubles at 4 ohms but if you look at reviews it actually puts out over 100 wpc.    It is high current and high voltage.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/pass-labs-xa30-8-class-stereo-power-amplifier-review/

[NoahH]

The XA30.8 should be able to drive the NX's well.  It is 30wpc Class A at 8 ohms and doubles at 4 ohms but if you look at reviews it actually puts out over 100 wpc.    It is high current and high voltage.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/pass-labs-xa30-8-class-stereo-power-amplifier-review/

Great call-out. Thanks!

[Tyson]

The 30.5 and the 30.8 are both very great amps.  They give up a tiny bit of detail compared to other top of the line amps from other manufacturers, but on the flip side, they are MUCH more musical.  At least IMO.

[dpatters]

The 30.5 and the 30.8 are both very great amps.  They give up a tiny bit of detail compared to other top of the line amps from other manufacturers, but on the flip side, they are MUCH more musical.  At least IMO.

I would agree. Unless you are going with high end tube amplifiers you can’t beat the Pass 30.8 as long as the price is palatable.

Don P.

[nickd]

I have a Forte 1A that I have always kept around because there is nothing that sounds like it anywhere near the price.
Earlier Pass design that runs all class A for 50wpc and runs hot as a toaster.
It will surprise and impress even the most jaded audiophile.

You can find other Pass designs out there with better value. The newer Pass amps do look really cool though I had a pair of X350’s a few years back. Just a work of art.

[planet10]

Baby? I was thinking ACA, ACAmini when i saw the title.

I have not heard the XA25, or 30.5/8, but i do have a FirstWatt SIT-3, ACAs, ACAmini so have a bit of reference.

Looking at the 2 amps fro a technical POC, the single pair of output devices would have me getting an XA-25. I expect future models to follow in its footsteps, using fewer of the beefier output MOSFETs the XA-25 uses.

dave

[mkane]

We use Aleph J & Aleph 30 clones. Both wonderful.

[corndog71]

I hear the Schiit Aegir is a good class A-ish alternative.  I haven’t heard one myself but I’ve been tempted to try one or two of them in my main rig.  They’ve gotten lots of positive reviews.

[Tyson]

First Watt is a bunch of amps literally designed by Nelson Pass.  The circuits are more interesting and adventurous than the commercial Pass stuff.  And the amps are cheaper.  Only caveat is they are almost always limited to 25 or 30 watts.  I've heard most of them and they are all great.

[cjsailer]

I've been considering a neurochrome modulus-286 build.  In keeping with the DIY spirit, that might be an option to consider as well.

[NoahH]

I am really convinced (maybe unreasonably) that the Xtremes need high damping. Or at least not low damping.

My concern on the first watts has been that many are pretty light on that. I would love one otherwise.

On Neurochrome, I talked to Tom there a little. My other current bias (no pun intended) is that big linear power supplies really are needed for good sound. I just tried an AVA M225 and it's regulated small supply really reminded me of a class D amp where the body is lacking. I spoke to Tom about designing a linear supply to go with a purifi or a 286 and he was unexcited about the prospect.

I am feeling like a BHK 250, an XA30.8, or Gryphon Diablo 120nare my best shots right now. My biggest issue is those are all long-in-the-tooth and likely to get a new version soon

[dburna]

I've been considering a neurochrome modulus-286 build.  In keeping with the DIY spirit, that might be an option to consider as well.

You cannot -- CAN. NOT. -- go wrong with a Neurochrome. Fabulous amps. Really great.

[planet10]

You cannot -- CAN. NOT. -- go wrong with a Neurochrome.

+1

dave

[planet10]

... the Xtremes...

???

Googling that  i get everything from a bluetooth thingy to tweaked MBLs.

dave

[mkrawcz]

I am really convinced (maybe unreasonably) that the Xtremes need high damping. Or at least not low damping.

My concern on the first watts has been that many are pretty light on that. I would love one otherwise.

On Neurochrome, I talked to Tom there a little. My other current bias (no pun intended) is that big linear power supplies really are needed for good sound. I just tried an AVA M225 and it's regulated small supply really reminded me of a class D amp where the body is lacking. I spoke to Tom about designing a linear supply to go with a purifi or a 286 and he was unexcited about the prospect.

I am feeling like a BHK 250, an XA30.8, or Gryphon Diablo 120nare my best shots right now. My biggest issue is those are all long-in-the-tooth and likely to get a new version soon

Being the owner of a Neurochrome Mod 686, mod86V3, and BHK300s, the Neurochromes just don't compete with the BHKs. The mod686 is powerful and has a fantastic deep soundstage, but there is something about it that just makes music sound artificial. The mod 86V3 sounds much better being through hole parts and having the ability to change opamps for the input buffer. For DIY options, for me the Folsom7293 remains king, but its hard to get parts for it right now. The nice thing with the PS Audio is you have a 30 day in home trial and you can return it for a full refund.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I am really convinced (maybe unreasonably) that the Xtremes need high damping. Or at least not low damping.

My concern on the first watts has been that many are pretty light on that. I would love one otherwise.

On Neurochrome, I talked to Tom there a little. My other current bias (no pun intended) is that big linear power supplies really are needed for good sound. I just tried an AVA M225 and it's regulated small supply really reminded me of a class D amp where the body is lacking. I spoke to Tom about designing a linear supply to go with a purifi or a 286 and he was unexcited about the prospect.

I am feeling like a BHK 250, an XA30.8, or Gryphon Diablo 120nare my best shots right now. My biggest issue is those are all long-in-the-tooth and likely to get a new version soon

You won't get high dampening with a Pass amp.  Most are rated at about 150.  If you want a high dampening factor consider a Parasound JC5 at 1000.

[JackD]

You might want to look at these if small footprint mono's will work for your setup.  $3498 for a pair.  If you have any further questions about them that aren't answered in the reviews then contact Alvin or Ken at Vinshine Audio.  I have used the stereo version for going on two years.

https://www.kinki-studio.com/ex-b7

https://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/kinki4/1.html

http://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-931&lang=en

http://hifiknights.com/reviews/amplifiers/kinki-studio-ex-p7-and-ex-b7/

[planet10]

Pass ... 150.  Parasound JC5 at 1000.

Once you hook the speaker cable anything over 40 is pretty much the same.

dave

[JackD]

@NoahH

If you're seriously considering the BHK 250 I have one that I would be willing to sell.  I don't see any others listed used anywhere as the last one on HiFi Shark from the Music Room just sold.  PM me if interested. I am starting to thin out the herd.