REVIEW: Pass Labs INT-25 - CLASS A SWEETNESS!

#PassLabs #INT25 #HiFi
7000 Word Written Review: www.stevehuffp...
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Hello to all! Welcome back to the channel. Today I have my full review of the Pass Labs INT-25 Integrated Amplifier. This is the sweetest sounding amp and I talk about my feelings, from the heart, for this amp! I bought this amp BLIND with my own money and do not have any affiliation with Pass Labs or any dealer I may mention. This video is not monetized.
The sound demos here are not here to show you what this amp sounds like, but to give you an idea of the tonality only. It is impossible to hear any HiFi piece over KZbin, period. You may be hearing 15-20% of the sound, if that, through a video. What you will not hear here is the depth, the layering, the holographic soundstage, or the small details and air around each instrument.
Overall I feel this amp is the perfect mate to ANY Klipsch Heritage speaker and speakers that are efficient or an easier drive.
Thanks for watching and if you enjoy my videos please consider a thumbs up or subscribe. Thank you.
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[@echo2gordon]

My new INT-25 should be arriving early next week. I can’t wait to hook it up to my Forte 4’s. Your review has left me restless with anticipation.

[@aggonzalez8096]

How is the pairing?

[@bongjovi4168]

That was an amazing review. Although the sound isn't anywhere near as good as being there. I was still able to feel the emotion of the music. Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@d.n.a5415]

Your review is what I like about audio reviews. I feel the legitimacy of your reviews. Keep up with your genuine audio reviews!

[@chrissnyder7968]

I don’t know how I found your channel but glad I did and just subscribed. Your attention to detail in the expanded comments section blew me away. I wish everyone documented as you have. Thank you for bringing me/us along with you!

[@nickreecy4229]

I'm a fan of Pass designs. Really love my First Watt Clone F6. I'm so jealous of your picture window and view, beautiful!

[@SuperHinckley]

The review is really accurate and thank you for this! I have a Pass int 25 with Marten oscar trio and i'm blown away about this experience, because is an experience more than a audition. Wonderful product!

[@EdBenji]

Were you also blown at the price tag????

[@korbindallas6727]

Beautiful !! Already read the written review, and yet, I am here watching this and soaking it all in! Stay well. Cheers!

[@korbindallas6727]

@@jimihendrix1575 my favourite crazed rocked out rocker!

[@robotstonka7118]

Oh man!!! since I bought my Pass XA30.8 and Pass xp-12 preamp I feel exactly the same as you😀 I'm listening to music so much more now, every free time I can find. I'm like an addict which needs to get his fix every day...of that huge soundstage, realistic mids, tight bass and those highs are soooo smooth!! My wife told me she could hear details which she never heard before, not because the sound is sharper all of a sudden, but because of this amp/preamp amazing instrument seperation. Now that instruments "breath" and became much much clearer, it's hard to describe you just simply have to experience that. I just need better speakers now to fully appreciate what this new combo can do.🖖😎

[@haythamalbader4759]

Your reviews for Audio & photography are excellent keep up the great work 👍👍👌

[@mdr4670]

Great and intelligent review. Would like your review of this Pass amp with the brand new Forte 4 speakers.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

25 watts of real torque ! Fullness (Pure Breed) 😃 Thanks for the overview !

[@mmdusa]

I did the same as you. I bought my Pass amplifier having never heard one before. But I agree with your review completely. I have a pair of Klipsch Belle speakers, and it is an amazing pairing. Last year I bought a XP-22 preamp to go with. Now life is good! And if you ever want another piece of Pass or First Watt, I can't recommend Reno Hi-Fi enough. Mark Sammut is the best there is. Needless to say, I love my Pass and can't praise it enough.

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

Glad you found this amp to be in your top 3. I think its important to note that your using this in a completely different room/environment than what you used the LUXMAN/ROSSI/LM amps in. You would have to get those 3 amps back in THIS Room to give an accurate comparison vs the Pass Labs. Glad to see your back in the Audio Review world anyway. I purchased your FALCON"s from you awhile back.

[@rw3915]

As for Pass Labs needing warm up, this is the real case with my Aleph 1.2’s. Those after 30 mins, it is just starting to bloom, but after an hour+, it is a thing of beauty. My Von Scheikert VR6s sing with that class A amp. This is a great review.

[@1968krug]

You’re helping to rekindle my forgotten passion. Please consider a clip with your top 10 audiophile albums. Thank you!

[@ilikeitalot6955]

Thank u so much! The way you define musicality is my cup of tea. This amplifier might be something for me.

[@merlecrandall1709]

This my first time watching and listening to your channel. I had read your article on this amp so when this came available on KZbin I couldn't resist. It's good to see that your room is very simplistic. So this makes your reviews real which is refreshing. After all this hobby is some what about luxury items and we can do without. Did I say that. This is a passion and trying not to go down those rabbit holes is important. I like your review and thank you.

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

What a great cinematic audio review🤩

[@Anand.Asrani]

Fabulous Review , One of my Fav reviewer !

[@photoipster]

Loved this review. Puts this integrated towards the top of the list for my 2nd system. I am thinking of pairing with the Devore orangutan 0/96. Have you ever heard these speakers? I haven’t had the privilege, but always respected art Dudley and loved his perspective on those. Anyway, keep it going. I appreciate your work.

[@SashaNem]

_Thank you for a review_

[@snowrang3r657]

Lovely review. I'm running the Forte III with the Yamaha A-S2200 (uses MOSFETs with similar distortion characteristics to tubes), I think if I ever wanted an upgrade one day it's either be the INT-25 or one of the First Watt amplifiers.

[@nunocruzer]

I'm using the Yamaha AS2100 + Forte III. Great combo indeed.

[@tomwebb7091]

Had an AS3000 - was old on the "Natural" sound concept and Yamahas history along with the retro vibe and build. But....... It sucked. Nothing remotely tube like about it. Lifeless and colourless beyond belief. Every tube amp ive heard has been superior some at half the cost.

[@exodusvelo]

really nice tracks in this channel, thanks for that. All videos, great tracks.

[@ychilds99]

Very nice selection of music. I appreciate your low key presentation. You come across authentic. Subscribed.

[@j.p.7708]

The E.A.R 859 is also a remarkable low watt tube amp👍👍🎼

[@janeiroyoshi]

Did you ever tryed the Sugden IA 4? im really curious how it compares to this pass labs

[@mikerichards324]

Fantastic review, thanks for your efforts :) I’m thinking about buying an Int25 and partnering it with my Cornwall IV’s.

[@bladerunnern6]

I'm wondering how could the Int 25 compare to the Gryphon Diablo 120. Thanks for answering!

[@gnpd07]

Very nice review. Thank you for your content. I can't help but notice a very obvious musical pattern in your review. I have no doubt the PL 25 makes ambient, acustic and vocal forward music full and rich. How does it handle garage rock, metal, or fusion? It would be very helpful to know how quick it is, and how it displays seperation in more congested and distorted pieces.

[@Scottlp2]

Certainly a fair question, but if he doesn’t like/listen to that kind of music….

[@cosmokramer4703]

When did Bill Burr start reviewing hifi?

[@friedmule5403]

Finally a reviewer after my mind!! "How can you like XYZ-dd15, it is not detailed enough / it is to hiss in the top or whatever... I do not care, if I like the sound, can the gear be made of a toaster and a clock radio! :-)

[@siddharth9506]

Your reviews are amazing and they have always helped me to choose the right product. What's your take on XA25 power amp? Should i pair it with mcintosh ma5200 int amp?

[@mikeuk4130]

Why not pair it with a decent pre? Pass do those too.

[@woodchamber]

A comparison with the Pure Audio One from New Zealand would be interesting. Unfortunately, Gary Morrison passed away at the beginning of the year and production was stopped.

[@DrizztRaziel]

Nice reviews ☺️

[@povicollege3055]

You said that the INT-25 is your new Reference Amplifier. If I may ask: why did you replace it (later) with the INT-250? Isn't the INT-25 class A a much nicer sounding amplifier? I am curisous to what you think of this? Thanks in advance for your reply (I hope). 🙂

[@henriksrensen3220]

I love these high end integrated amplifiers. Pass labs is great stuff I chose gryphon diablo 120 as my end game amplifier.

[@hitechburg]

I love when an audio system is so physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually revealing it brings me to tears.

[@jusjash]

Freddie my friend, cry on....that's my style😀

[@stephencosta6814]

💯 percent

[@gertjanvanderkooij9242]

Wow,awesome sound

[@User_not_found_403]

photography is art. music is art. maybe an artist has an intention on how their art is to be interpreted/consumed (much like a chef). However, in the end, the individual's opinion is what matters most.

[@puertoricanaudiophile4840]

I would love to hear this with the Forte or Cornwalls

[@Tinybench]

Im from Santurce!!!! I have the Klipshorns and everything sound amazing on it!!!!!!!

[@bikemike1118]

One needs more refined speakers to really enjoy Pass Labs to the fullest

[@buzz1308]

I have loved your reviews for some time. Especially your reviews of camera equipment. Just found your audio reviews. I wonder do you ever review headphone amplifiers?

[@h2ophilter]

wonder how these would sound with Spatial open baffles.

[@trekjudas]

Open baffles speakers are very efficient so it should sound great!

[@Scottlp2]

I’d verify that with Clayton if you’re thinking of buying.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

I think Stereophile found this clipped at 140 watts. Way underrated.

[@patrikbjorling4391]

Thank you!

[@keesvanwoerden2156]

I thought the Line Magnetic was the endgame,..... uhh the Mcintosh, .......uhh the Vinnie Rossi.

[@lesterlammers9463]

He bought the Rossi 300B and said that was the best there is.

[@c2mojo]

Well I was shopping for a Luxman to marry up with my CW IVs....now I think INT-60 (balanced in) is the one. Thanks for the great review. Now don't get an Accuphase or something then say its better than the Pass ;)

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

The 60 isnt as SWEET as the lower watt amp Pass integrateds. Ask any PASS dealer

[@mnmlist1454]

Luv your videos. TQ.

[@notube2658]

Magnifique !!!

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Brought back memories of purchasing my first class a amplifier used 33 years ago Tannenberg 10 W class A / 40 W class A/B switchable. It was used for $350 and after that I only listen to class A amps for serious listening. Anything else is just background noise like elevator music or music played in the mall.

[@defenseandsafety]

Great review and musical selections as usual! What are on the stands behind the speakers?

[@HiFiHuff]

Those are the Q Acoustic C300 Speakers. : ) I reviewed them a few weeks back. Thank you.

[@mikerdaniels1]

Only owned tube amps.Really enjoy what they do. What with prices/ availability, maybe it’s time to look at SS. Do you think Pass Labs would bring the magic like tubes?

[@derekmann857]

My favourite review dude!

[@willielangoor4369]

this guy is right on

[@bygrace2683]

Is Nelson Pass a genius? Why yes, yes he is. 😁

[@ryanbailey112]

Another great review. I wonder how it would compare to the Sugden iA4 class A?

[@tomwebb7091]

Its almost half the price of the Pass in the UK. It doesnt do any class B switching and has been known for a warm bouncy tube-like sound. Owners go nuts for their Sugdens and the IA4 rarely end up on the second hand market

[@dancewithethan]

would love to see if you can pair this int amp with the new Tekton double impack speaker.

[@bryanpaulgilbert7308]

Future Class A comparison idea: Schiit Audio Freya + Aegir ($1,748 or $2,547 for dual mono Aegir amps) vs Sugden A21 ($2,650) vs Pass Labs INT 25 ($7,250). The Aegir is technically Class A-ish but, regardless, it might be interesting to learn more about what differences there are between gear and prices.

[@dougg1075]

80 lbs. There’s one on USA Audio mart for 5k

[@JingoLoBa57]

So this has been displaced by the XP/XA set… not surprisingly because of the low power…

[@stevebernard3019]

Can you tell me if this amp can drive the super Hls5 + or should we go to 60 int ? Thank you

[@trekjudas]

i can't afford that amp but i CAN afford those Klipsch speakers!

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

The Heresy IV (new) is about half-way to an INT-25. Find a used INT-25 for around 5 or 6k and you're almost there.

[@sean_heisler]

During that first track you played I’m pretty sure I saw the killer in the trees out back.

[@bruce8429]

Kodachrome sound please. Very colored but beautiful.

[@xstensl8823]

you can buy the new Rega Brio for $999! it has a circuit designed by Terry Bateman that emulates class A and sound very much unlike solid state. it surprised me. sounded like my Audio Note pre.

[@sandorbenny3251]

What about 93db 4 Ohm. Focal Electra 1038 Be. Is The pass int 25 enough?

[@johnsweda2999]

Try the audio note integrated amplifier phono se signature silver under $3,000

[@xstensl8823]

i found that my NAD D1050 DAC to be much better than the 2i's internal DAC

[@djapache2326]

How does this compare to the Line Magnetic you had in your system?

[@island717]

Curious to know as well! I have Line Magnetic 805 and seriously considering switching to PassLab 30.8 power amp. I’m very VERY happy with my Line Magnetic, it already provides 99% dream sound for me. But if I can switch to solid state, that can please me on same level or even better - I’m all for it!

[@jaysworld5378]

How does this comparw to your Vinni Rossi?

[@Tendervittle]

Thank you-> enjoyable

[@mikegoddard7354]

Himalayan Salt blocks emi/rfi for everyone that's wondering

[@1moderntalking1]

Audio needs to be about musicality absolutely 👍

[@MilGrip76]

Why does everyone still conflate "neutral" or revealing or analytical with, "overly bright", "fatiguing" etc. People, it is the music, your speakers, and or the room. Electronics vary so little relative to everything else, tails are being chased that are not there. Next time you are listening critically, simply hold a hand up between you and one of the speakers, or a hand up near to one ear. See how much if effects the sound. That's order's of magnitude beyond any spec that you may be obsessing over!

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

I know that this is anathema to audiophile claims, but an amp makes very little , if any difference. The euphonic colored sound of a tube amp or component is added distortion. And yet, here we are making ridiculous claims about sound and spending thousands for little in return

[@Thunderball66]

Lock up the firearms, medicines, and sharp objects. Those were the most depressing songs I ever heard. How does the amp handle louder rock music?

[@kevinturchin]

Has the sound of those Heresy’s changed over time?

[@dougg1075]

I have them ( Heresy IV) and paired them with a 2k watt sub and I think I’m done with the terrible search.. it’s amazing. I have Focals and LSA bookshelves among others and the Heresy is in the main system forever. My buddy has the Heresys I he bought new in 1978 or so and I didn’t like them much. I thought Heresy would be the last speaker I would spend 3k on but took a chance off reviews. These are not my buddies Heresys. I forced my wife to listen to Children of the sun last night haha! I thought the tweeters were popping for a second but quickly learned it was a clap sound I never noticed before . Wow

[@olegyamleq7796]

How much?

[@Tinybench]

Does anyone know the name of the music in the demo????? I like it????

[@dbcoder]

think it's james blake

[@Tinybench]

@@dbcoder Thank you!!!!

[@margix1172]

You should compare Sudgen to this

[@TheMeridian808]

You mean Sugden...

[@margix1172]

@@TheMeridian808 yes sorry

[@jn3750]

Song name?

[@EdBenji]

Why does everyone play weirdo music in these reviews???

[@cutlets6152]

Is it the You tube thing or am i hearing rolled off highs?

[@ML-rm3vk]

Pslens on his sorry

[@ozzyaquanut8903]

sorry... but @ 6:25... i had to walk away...... what the hell was that music???

[@paganrythyms]

Slayer's new single.

[@HumanAction1]

"Clips"

[@Scottlp2]

“Overly neutral” lol. It’s ok you can say overly analytical. Thanks for review.

[@thomasschafer7268]

Easy. 9000€. No problem.

[@veritasfan11]

they sound nice but i did not hear anything magical.

[@ML-rm3vk]

Wonderful try bach cello suits on that system.edward west had a 20' dollar on his 8 10.

[@anjovandijk9797]

as Nelson Pas says High end audio is an "entertainment