Pass Labs XA25 Power Amplifier

Defy Expectations and Get Prized Class A Sound with the Pass Labs XA25: 25Wpc U.S.A.-Built Power Amplifier Excels with Delicacy and Detail, Clarity and Definition

Pass Labs bucks trends when it comes to amplifier design in the sense that bigger is not always better. As such, its XA25 Class A power amplifier defies expectations. The secret? You have to be able to live with 25 watts per channel (into 8 ohms). It’s 48.5 pounds of pure audio refinement. And unlike most high-end audio gear, each XA25 is custom-built to exacting specifications on a per-order basis in the company’s California facility. The wait time of eight to 10 weeks is beyond worth it.

Featuring an output stage comprised of a single pair of 800-watt new-generation transistors operating in push-pull Class A, XA25 is a treasure. If you have a pair of efficient speakers, or perhaps a pair of electrostatics or something that thrives on low power but high-quality amplification, XA25 provides a level of delicacy not unlike that of the Pass Labs XS300 monos. You’ll get low distortion, low noise, no degeneration feedback, and high damping, all in a three-stage circuit with three push-pull gain transistors.

Indeed, XA25 strips things down to the absolute bare minimum without scrimping on the essentials. A huge power supply resides inside the cabinet, but this amplifier is single-ended, with only a pair of RCA inputs and a single pair of speaker output binding posts. The front panel is a bit thinner than those on the big Pass amplifiers, and you’ll need to do without the blue meter. Make no mistake, however: XA25 subscribes to the same high level of quality as any other Pass model. If you want raw performance in an understated package, this one’s for you.

The specs don’t reveal the magic inside the 6 x 17 x 17.25-inch (HWD) XA25. It’s the epitome of Nelson Pass’ philosophy that if the first watt isn’t great, the rest won’t be either. You’ll be amazed by layer upon layer of musical detail that the XA25 reveals. We really mean it when we say listening with it in your audio chain is like getting a new music collection, or at least better pressings of every album you own.

We also should note that if space is at a premium and you still want Pass Labs (who wouldn’t?), consider the INT25, which essentially combines power amplifier circuitry of XA25 with a streamlined version of the line preamplifier section of the INT-60 and INT-250 integrated amplifiers. Got questions? We can help!

Just give us a call at 312-433-0200 to chat.

"Everything you would want in an amplifier exists in this design: incredible dynamic range, lifelike tonal accuracy, the ability to paint a three-dimensional sound field, and high resolution. In short, this amplifier reveals as much music as anything I've heard at any price."
— Jeff Dorgay, TONEAudio, Masterpiece Award

“The lowest-priced amplifier in Pass Laboratories’ XA series, the XA25 strips away all inessentials—front-panel meters, balanced inputs, excessive output power—and provides the listener with a three-stage amplifier in which output power is generated by a single pair of transistors per channel, operating in push-pull class-A.”
— Stereophile, Recommended Component

“Beyond the inherent sweetness of the XA25’s personality was its ability to transform a listening space into a three-dimensional tableau of images and ambience."
— The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice Award

“I thought I would never hear a solid-state amplifier that could create the gorgeous timbres/tonality/color of the finest tube-based amplifiers, yet that’s what you get with the XA25."
— Terry London, Home Theater Review

“With my audiophile ears standing at full attention, I noted that each instrument sounds like it’s in its own 'space' on my favorite recordings.”
— Steve Guttenberg, CNET

“These are deeply impressive designs that create an emotional connection to the music is how we described Nelson Pass’ little amp, which produces 25 gorgeous watts per channel. Yes, it’s all in Class A, which makes this power amplifier an intriguing choice for audiophiles who have systems that can really sing without a bunch of juice.”
— Part Time Audiophile