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Planar Speaker Asylum

Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25

24.101.215.110

Would like to hear from anyone using a Pass Labs XA25 power amp with Quad ESLs.

I wonder if the Pass Labs XA25 has enough power and would be comfortable driving the hard-to-drive ESLs?

I am currently using the Pass Labs X250.5 power amp, which I bought for another pair of speakers I no longer have that required high power and high current. I wonder if switching to the XA25 would be a sideways change or an upgrade sonically.

Anyone using or having heard the combination< I would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

Follow Ups:

RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - hahax@verizon.net 16:03:17 08/10/24 (1)
Keep in mind Pass amps handle bad speaker loads very well. Plus the 25 watt rating of the amp is at 8 ohms and at class A. The amp actually is a rcih class A AB amp and easily puts out over 70 watts AB continuously(not just peaks) into 8 ohms. And of course it puts out even more wattage into lower impedances.
- RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - George S. Roland 03:05:49 08/11/24 (0)
  thank you. very helpful.
RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - kentaja 05:21:12 08/10/24 (3)
It should be an excellent combination with the QUAD. I have heard several setups using Pass amps and the sound has always been excellent. I have many customers using Pass amps. The only question does it have enough power? That will depend on how loud you like things.

Here is a link to an excellent review of the XA25 driving the original QUAD. I've actually had the opportunity to listen to all the amps Herb mentions with the QUAD. I could be happy with any of them.

The 'Irish Brother' Herb mentions is actually David Chesky. David currently uses the XA160.8 and it produces some of the best sound I have ever heard with the QUAD.
- Pass Labs Driving QUADs (Open in New Window)
- RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - George S. Roland 06:04:16 08/10/24 (2)
  Thanks, Kent. Helpful as always.
  - RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - kentaja 08:11:45 08/10/24 (1)
    My bad David is actually using the XA60.8. I have a friend that drives his QUADs with the XA160.8. With my advancing age I'm easily confused!!
    - RE: Quad ESL and Pass Labs XA25 - George S. Roland 03:07:12 08/11/24 (0)
      No worries Kent. We're all in this together.

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