Having auditioned the Pass Labs XA-30.5, First Watt J2 and First Watt M2, I honestly believe it comes down to one's speakers, and how well they're driven by these particular amplifiers. IMO, the Pass Labs XA-30.5 are the more neutral and speaker friendly of the three amps. The J2 and M2 both have subtle differences, but differences nonetheless. Both require a particular speaker design (power requirement and impedance curve) to sound their best.
It may be that those people selling their First Watt amps have speakers better suited to one of the Pass Labs offerings, or it may be that the owners are changing speakers and require a different amp.
There are many possible reasons.
IMO, you shouldn't shy away from First Watt amps just because you see some for sale. The best policy is to audition the amps in your system.
It may be that those people selling their First Watt amps have speakers better suited to one of the Pass Labs offerings, or it may be that the owners are changing speakers and require a different amp.
There are many possible reasons.
IMO, you shouldn't shy away from First Watt amps just because you see some for sale. The best policy is to audition the amps in your system.