Aleph 3 owner here. Pass Labs is the real deal and Nelson Pass is a national treasure. He freely gives his knowledge to the DIY community. Great stuff!
Steve's review played a part in my purchase of a Pass Labs INT250. And after 12 months with it I could not be happier. It sounds better the more I listen to it. And is by far the best amp I've owned over 30 years which includes mid end valve monoblocks. But it's not the amp to own if you have touchy neighbours though. The seismic bottom end will shake the ground, but it's not an out and out muscle amp. It has finesse detail, zing and air that is so valve like but with solid state control. Many a time I'm simply drawn into the music and forget about my critical ears. I'd have no problem recommending this to anyone. Maybe it's a bit pricey but it's worth every penny.
Do you know the sound difference between your INT-250 and the X250.8 power amp? Is the separate better in sound? If paired with the X22 pre and if better is it 10k better? Thanks
I'm considering INT60, which is the lower wattage. How hot does yours get to the touch? Is yours sitting in the open or in some kind of walled enclosure?
@@emerycomputer Mine sits in the open air. As for the heat - it's more warm than hot, and a long way from burning hot. I haven't found it to be an issue.
I run big OTL triode monoblocs and love the sound. If I am at an audio show, I go from room to room without being grabbed by the sound. Multiple times I went into rooms with big Pass amps often paired with Gershwin speakers and I am drawn into the sound well before I know which amps I am hearing. Also, if you are into DIY, you have to love Nelson. He spends the first 2 hours of each day on the internet collaborating with his DIY followers. They love him. And he gets lots of research from his disciples in return. He gives back to the community. His First Watt amps typically had a limited production run. Then after a couple of years, he publishes the design to the DIY community. All these people have the famous First Watt amps at pennies on the dollar to enjoy. Knowing they built it themselves with the help of the master. Nobody does more for the community than Nelson.
I’ve owned Pass gear for a long time now. These points are all on point. Great company to deal with, great sound, robust, and indeed, these are final purchases
My XP-22 had a failed Darlington transistor which caused terrible static and power surges to the speakers. I thought it was the XA30.8 so sent that in for repair first, then diagnosed the problem as originating from the preamp. Pass Labs restored both units to factory spec without charge (I had to pay for shipping). Excellent service and I am incredibly happy to have my Pass gear ip and running again!
I got my Passlabs X150.8 last year - best buy I ever made. After 35 years of looking, I found my end-game amp. The only caveat: The amps should come with a gym membership - mine weighs 63 pounds:)
Just recently acquired an XA25power and xp-22 pre-and yeah,this is my end game combo. All the pro's you mentioned but not too mental on the leccy!. Love the cool,purposeful,understated design-they also look great with Oracle cd player and turntable.But that pure class A sound-just lets me melt into the music-or is it the other way round? Dunno,but don't really care -the other end of my room has effectively disappeared into a holographic 3-d soundscape. A truly transporting experience-that doesn't break the law,although it is highly addictive. Hats off to Nelson and Wayne,very talented and humble guy's,not many of them left in the world. Thanks for another great vid and Cheers from Sunny Scotland.
@@j.lafonta2170 Hi, I'm using Living Voice OBX-R2's sitting on Townshend Seismic speaker bars with Townshend Supertweers on top-the Townshend kit really is the cherry on top.
True- on the quality and support ! I got even a chance to talk with Nelson Pass when I had question on the amp! So even so Kind of nelson to talk to an end customer!
I have the First Watt F7. I can understand what you’re talking about. I haven’t it that long. But I agree with it being built well. The F7 had a sound that I enjoy. First Watt and their service is 👌. The F7 weighs about 30 pounds. But I don’t mind it to much. And it definitely can get hit with it being Class A. But the weight and temperature is overshadowed by the build quality, sound, service.
I own an HK Citation 12 with the Nelson Pass mod and my daily driver for my 1.7i Maggies is a Pass designed ADCOM GFA555 modded with a 2nd PS including toroidal xformer. He is one of the #1 legends in the field!
Nelson has an interesting history ...........remember Treshold. They offer a honest amplification........faults ( and qualities ) of sources , cables and speakers are revealed .
I just had my Crown Straight Line Two preamp and Power Line Three power amp recapped after having them for about 40 years with only marginal improvement in sound quality. I was a bit disappointed in that but at the same time very impressed with the long-term reliability and quality. I'd love to audition some newer amps like McIntosh, Pass, Marantz and some others just to hear some differing sound qualities. It would be fun.
I have been enjoying my Crown Straight Line 2 preamp and my twin Crown Straight Line 3 power amps for the past 40 odd years and recently had them recapped. The expected improvement that I was expecting really wasn't that noticeable. I am now considering a McIntosh MAC7200 receiver to be paired up with either Klipsch Cornwalls or Tannoy Ardens. Being high efficiency speakers, I'm concerned with the Crowns being just a bit noisy at lower volume levels with those type of speakers. I am now running ESS AMT 1a's that I have had since the mid 70's. Comments??
Install a ductless mini split HVAC system. There is very noise compared to any other kind of HVAC installation. The air and heat jut falls out of the wall unit and for an audiophile they are excellent companions that do not interfere with the music. I installed a Samsung system and never looked back.
Hi there, I have one X1 more than 15 years, I’m happy with it! But I loss X1 remote controller, anyway to buy another one? Or you provide a solution though on the shelf universal remote controller?
I'm currently burning in an Int-25 powering Zu Omen DWs. Loving the sound so far. Much more sophisticated sound than my previous Densen pre/power. Instruments, especially strings sound more realistic and tuneful.
I have an XA25 in a 18x18' room (diagonal set up), and. consider it plenty with an 87 dB sensitivity speaker (PearlAcoustics Sibelius SG). Why do you run 60 W class A monoblocks in your 13x18' room? It certainly generates MUCH more heat.
What is the synergy with the Klipsch Heritage line? I am thinking about getting the Pass Labs XA60.8 with a Pass pre-amp for my Klipsch Forte IV's but wonder if they would mesh well.
Would you pair an int 60 or int250 with Dynaudio heritage specials I currently have on my main floor focal sopra 3 with Luxman 509 Wondering your opinion, I could get either
Was interested in trying an XA25 but am hesitant because I usually see them paired with high efficiency speakers. I have speakers in the 86-89 db efficiency range and listen around 80 db, and I’m not sure if the XA25 can handle that.
A McIntosh is a life time lasting piece of electronics and is made in the US as well. And the Mac sound is so unique... Nothing against Pass Labs, but the Mac has a warmer sound - in my opinion.
I've been intrigued by Pass Labs integrated amps. I know you have a history with them before moving on to separates. I've had a Bryston B60 that is going on 20+ years. Another company with a great customer service, incredible reliability, and while not made in the US, close enough with production in Canada. If you've had any experience with Bryston, I'm wondering what differences I would experience with Pass (going from class AB to A amplification). Thanks!
I went from all separates, all valve monoblocks to the Pass Labs INT250. The Pass Labs amp is on a different level in every way. I come away from listening to it thinking just how could it sound better. it has everything, weight, presence, imaging and very musical. If I didn't know any different I would be sure I was listening to a valve amp yet with seismic bass control. It is as they say a "final" amp purchase. I couldn't see myself as ever being unhappy with it.
I’m owner of Int-250 ( very happy ). My room is 18 sqm and my speakers are 8 ohm,91 db. I like to test Int-60 to get more musicality and organic sound. Anyone have this kind of experience to share ? Thanks to everyone !
Ive reviewed all of my sources and other sources that have come in for review. My source for my ref system is a DCS Lina DAC and Clock, and that setup is also a network streamer. I have a Luxman PD151 for my Analog with Pass XP-17.
I would like to purchase PL unfortunately in my country they are very very expensive as is McIntosh the $ exchange rate and obviously freight cost also come into play as does the amount of second hand amps available on the market..I dare say some second Pass Labs here sell for more then the original recommended retail price...
I had a XP10 and a X350.5 - also played around with the XP20. But i was not impressed at all. I guess i don't like the typical us voicing and the 350w were very underwhelming. Their higher tier might be better and I'm sure they are - but i'm never going Pass again..
I had. X350.8 and at times it was magnificent but after listening to it for a few months started feeling that lots of music started sounding generic like. It was a great amp for rock and blues and some jazz but not classical. Now I have a Conrad Johnson Premiere 12 mono blocks and they definitely give me more detail and doesn’t get in the way of the music. I’m not completely there yet but definitely closer. Passes customer service is amazing too and one gets the feeling that they have a lot of integrity. Oh, and the Pass heated up the whole house and ate electricity like no tomorrow.
My first choice is USA made. My second choice is any foreign manufacturer that is not engaged in a quest for on world domination or massive human rights abuses, for example China and Russia.
You listen to too much State Department lies and disinformation. China is a peer competitor and the US creates fabricated data about Xinjiang and are funding terrorists there. All a matter of record if you choose to look.
@@huangjin800 Too bad I'm not in China, you could denounce me to the secret police and send me to a concentration camp until I got my thinking right. They just love political dissent.
@@fletchermunson6225 Says someone completely brainwashed by the US government. Probably you think the US is supporting a democratic regime in Ukraine when truth be told the leadership are US selected stooges and the country is the most corrupt in Europe run by nazis. But that is par for the course. After all the US is funding ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria and absconding with oil from Syria and Iraq.
I wish there were a way that manufactures can do what they are doing in the car industry with the interior ambient lighting and offer the ability to change the colour of the lighting. I really loathe blue in the home, for me it is brighter and colder. I would love like you get on the EAT amps, a warm amber colour or a green, it would just relax me more. Blue just annoys me. Surely this can´t be a hard thing to offer these days?
Agree on the build quality and customer service, but seriously they are not end game amps, at most mid fi. I am happy with my Dartzeel and Pilium amps.
Aren't those in an entirely different (exotic) price bracket? At least every time I hear/read about darTZeel, I see five or six digit prices, while you can get Pass amps for much closer to $10k.
but does reliabilty of PASS Labs means they rely on old, tried and tested technology with very little innovation so they cannot compete with Gryphon nor Boulder amp cutting edge tech ?
Aleph 3 owner here. Pass Labs is the real deal and Nelson Pass is a national treasure. He freely gives his knowledge to the DIY community. Great stuff!
Steve's review played a part in my purchase of a Pass Labs INT250. And after 12 months with it I could not be happier. It sounds better the more I listen to it.
And is by far the best amp I've owned over 30 years which includes mid end valve monoblocks.
But it's not the amp to own if you have touchy neighbours though. The seismic bottom end will shake the ground, but it's not an out and out muscle amp. It has finesse detail, zing and air that is so valve like but with solid state control.
Many a time I'm simply drawn into the music and forget about my critical ears.
I'd have no problem recommending this to anyone. Maybe it's a bit pricey but it's worth every penny.
Do you know the sound difference between your INT-250 and the X250.8 power amp? Is the separate better in sound? If paired with the X22 pre and if better is it 10k better? Thanks
@@louv4437 Sorry I don't know.
@@bingowings65 thank u anyway
I'm considering INT60, which is the lower wattage.
How hot does yours get to the touch?
Is yours sitting in the open or in some kind of walled enclosure?
@@emerycomputer Mine sits in the open air.
As for the heat - it's more warm than hot, and a long way from burning hot.
I haven't found it to be an issue.
I run big OTL triode monoblocs and love the sound.
If I am at an audio show, I go from room to room without being grabbed by the sound. Multiple times I went into rooms with big Pass amps often paired with Gershwin speakers and I am drawn into the sound well before I know which amps I am hearing.
Also, if you are into DIY, you have to love Nelson. He spends the first 2 hours of each day on the internet collaborating with his DIY followers. They love him. And he gets lots of research from his disciples in return. He gives back to the community. His First Watt amps typically had a limited production run. Then after a couple of years, he publishes the design to the DIY community. All these people have the famous First Watt amps at pennies on the dollar to enjoy. Knowing they built it themselves with the help of the master. Nobody does more for the community than Nelson.
I’ve owned Pass gear for a long time now. These points are all on point. Great company to deal with, great sound, robust, and indeed, these are final purchases
My XP-22 had a failed Darlington transistor which caused terrible static and power surges to the speakers. I thought it was the XA30.8 so sent that in for repair first, then diagnosed the problem as originating from the preamp. Pass Labs restored both units to factory spec without charge (I had to pay for shipping). Excellent service and I am incredibly happy to have my Pass gear ip and running again!
I got my Passlabs X150.8 last year - best buy I ever made. After 35 years of looking, I found my end-game amp. The only caveat: The amps should come with a gym membership - mine weighs 63 pounds:)
I love my Firstwatt J2/Zu Omen Def combo. I'm thinking of moving to a 30.8
Pass labs are amazing! Would like to hear your views on Accuphase amps
The big pure class A Pass Labs amps are the best solid state amps I've ever heard. They were in a system with Martin Logans.
Just recently acquired an XA25power and xp-22 pre-and yeah,this is my end game combo. All the pro's you mentioned but not too mental on the leccy!. Love the cool,purposeful,understated design-they also look great with Oracle cd player and turntable.But that pure class A sound-just lets me melt into the music-or is it the other way round? Dunno,but don't really care -the other end of my room has effectively disappeared into a holographic 3-d soundscape. A truly transporting experience-that doesn't break the law,although it is highly addictive. Hats off to Nelson and Wayne,very talented and humble guy's,not many of them left in the world. Thanks for another great vid and Cheers from Sunny Scotland.
What speakers are you using with this combo?
@@j.lafonta2170 Hi, I'm using Living Voice OBX-R2's sitting on Townshend Seismic speaker bars with Townshend Supertweers on top-the Townshend kit really is the cherry on top.
True- on the quality and support ! I got even a chance to talk with Nelson Pass when I had question on the amp! So even so Kind of nelson to talk to an end customer!
I have the First Watt F7. I can understand what you’re talking about. I haven’t it that long. But I agree with it being built well. The F7 had a sound that I enjoy. First Watt and their service is 👌. The F7 weighs about 30 pounds. But I don’t mind it to much. And it definitely can get hit with it being Class A. But the weight and temperature is overshadowed by the build quality, sound, service.
I own an HK Citation 12 with the Nelson Pass mod and my daily driver for my 1.7i Maggies is a Pass designed ADCOM GFA555 modded with a 2nd PS including toroidal xformer. He is one of the #1 legends in the field!
Nelson Pass is the only reason needed to buy from Pass Labs, his design philosophy is top notch.
same experience...no issues evver....and the class a amps are very special...
Would love to hear your evaluation of the Passlabs XP-12 preamp.
Nelson has an interesting history ...........remember Treshold.
They offer a honest amplification........faults ( and qualities ) of sources , cables and speakers are revealed .
I just had my Crown Straight Line Two preamp and Power Line Three power amp recapped after having them for about 40 years with only marginal improvement in sound quality. I was a bit disappointed in that but at the same time very impressed with the long-term reliability and quality. I'd love to audition some newer amps like McIntosh, Pass, Marantz and some others just to hear some differing sound qualities. It would be fun.
I have been enjoying my Crown Straight Line 2 preamp and my twin Crown Straight Line 3 power amps for the past 40 odd years and recently had them recapped. The expected improvement that I was expecting really wasn't that noticeable. I am now considering a McIntosh MAC7200 receiver to be paired up with either Klipsch Cornwalls or Tannoy Ardens. Being high efficiency speakers, I'm concerned with the Crowns being just a bit noisy at lower volume levels with those type of speakers. I am now running ESS AMT 1a's that I have had since the mid 70's. Comments??
id love to hear or take a look at pass labs... but being in Canada I cant find a dealer anywhere
Install a ductless mini split HVAC system. There is very noise compared to any other kind of HVAC installation. The air and heat jut falls out of the wall unit and for an audiophile they are excellent companions that do not interfere with the music. I installed a Samsung system and never looked back.
Ahhhhh . . . meters. Couldn’t agree more. Beautiful.
I hope some day you review the gryphon amps
The Diablo 120 is a wonderfull sounding amplifier
Hi there, I have one X1 more than 15 years, I’m happy with it! But I loss X1 remote controller, anyway to buy another one? Or you provide a solution though on the shelf universal remote controller?
I'm currently burning in an Int-25 powering Zu Omen DWs. Loving the sound so far. Much more sophisticated sound than my previous Densen pre/power. Instruments, especially strings sound more realistic and tuneful.
I envy you my man! 🇺🇦🇺🇸🤜
This information is Spot On Thank you
I have an XA25 in a 18x18' room (diagonal set up), and. consider it plenty with an 87 dB sensitivity speaker (PearlAcoustics Sibelius SG). Why do you run 60 W class A monoblocks in your 13x18' room? It certainly generates MUCH more heat.
What is the synergy with the Klipsch Heritage line? I am thinking about getting the Pass Labs XA60.8 with a Pass pre-amp for my Klipsch Forte IV's but wonder if they would mesh well.
It's excellent. I have a 150.8 amp running my Klipsch Belle speakers. It's divine. You need one!
INT-25 with Cornwall IVs, plenty of swat, awesome sound.
Would you pair an int 60 or int250 with Dynaudio heritage specials
I currently have on my main floor focal sopra 3 with Luxman 509
Wondering your opinion, I could get either
Hi, do you think the
X-205.8 will match well with a PS Audio BHK SIGNATURE PreAmp ? Thanks!!! I will appreciate your help!!!
The meters look gorgeous. But what are they actually indicating?
Bias. Anything below the 12 o’clock position of the meter is class a output. Above or past 12 o’clock position the output changes to class AB.
Was interested in trying an XA25 but am hesitant because I usually see them paired with high efficiency speakers. I have speakers in the 86-89 db efficiency range and listen around 80 db, and I’m not sure if the XA25 can handle that.
A McIntosh is a life time lasting piece of electronics and is made in the US as well. And the Mac sound is so unique... Nothing against Pass Labs, but the Mac has a warmer sound - in my opinion.
Love your videos, especially this one. Any chance of reviewing the new Vinnie Rossi Brama integrated amp? Thanks.
I've been intrigued by Pass Labs integrated amps. I know you have a history with them before moving on to separates. I've had a Bryston B60 that is going on 20+ years. Another company with a great customer service, incredible reliability, and while not made in the US, close enough with production in Canada. If you've had any experience with Bryston, I'm wondering what differences I would experience with Pass (going from class AB to A amplification). Thanks!
I went from all separates, all valve monoblocks to the Pass Labs INT250. The Pass Labs amp is on a different level in every way.
I come away from listening to it thinking just how could it sound better. it has everything, weight, presence, imaging and very musical.
If I didn't know any different I would be sure I was listening to a valve amp yet with seismic bass control.
It is as they say a "final" amp purchase. I couldn't see myself as ever being unhappy with it.
Thank you
I love my Coda :)
I’m owner of Int-250 ( very happy ).
My room is 18 sqm and my speakers are 8 ohm,91 db.
I like to test Int-60 to get more musicality and organic sound.
Anyone have this kind of experience to share ?
Thanks to everyone !
What do u use as a music source (for someone w no record albums)?
Ive reviewed all of my sources and other sources that have come in for review. My source for my ref system is a DCS Lina DAC and Clock, and that setup is also a network streamer. I have a Luxman PD151 for my Analog with Pass XP-17.
Legend!
I would like to purchase PL unfortunately in my country they are very very expensive as is McIntosh the $ exchange rate and obviously freight cost also come into play as does the amount of second hand amps available on the market..I dare say some second Pass Labs here sell for more then the original recommended retail price...
So why I should choose Pass ?
I'm only messing;)
I had a XP10 and a X350.5 - also played around with the XP20. But i was not impressed at all. I guess i don't like the typical us voicing and the 350w were very underwhelming. Their higher tier might be better and I'm sure they are - but i'm never going Pass again..
Wish you had a 502 review coming as well. 😉
I wouldn't call it an investment however.
I had. X350.8 and at times it was magnificent but after listening to it for a few months started feeling that lots of music started sounding generic like. It was a great amp for rock and blues and some jazz but not classical. Now I have a Conrad Johnson Premiere 12 mono blocks and they definitely give me more detail and doesn’t get in the way of the music. I’m not completely there yet but definitely closer.
Passes customer service is amazing too and one gets the feeling that they have a lot of integrity. Oh, and the Pass heated up the whole house and ate electricity like no tomorrow.
Exactly
My first choice is USA made. My second choice is any foreign manufacturer that is not engaged in a quest for on world domination or massive human rights abuses, for example China and Russia.
Come on you imperialist 😊
@@faludabutt8253 ejemmm, cooff, cofff, ejemejemmm...
You listen to too much State Department lies and disinformation. China is a peer competitor and the US creates fabricated data about Xinjiang and are funding terrorists there. All a matter of record if you choose to look.
@@huangjin800 Too bad I'm not in China, you could denounce me to the secret police and send me to a concentration camp until I got my thinking right. They just love political dissent.
@@fletchermunson6225 Says someone completely brainwashed by the US government. Probably you think the US is supporting a democratic regime in Ukraine when truth be told the leadership are US selected stooges and the country is the most corrupt in Europe run by nazis. But that is par for the course. After all the US is funding ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria and absconding with oil from Syria and Iraq.
I wish there were a way that manufactures can do what they are doing in the car industry with the interior ambient lighting and offer the ability to change the colour of the lighting. I really loathe blue in the home, for me it is brighter and colder.
I would love like you get on the EAT amps, a warm amber colour or a green, it would just relax me more. Blue just annoys me. Surely this can´t be a hard thing to offer these days?
They will get back to you ?
Are we lowering the bar
Agree on the build quality and customer service, but seriously they are not end game amps, at most mid fi. I am happy with my Dartzeel and Pilium amps.
Aren't those in an entirely different (exotic) price bracket? At least every time I hear/read about darTZeel, I see five or six digit prices, while you can get Pass amps for much closer to $10k.
I have a 35 y old Marantz amp & its still going strong! So I wouldn't be raving about Pass Labs considering their ridiculous price tags..
When considering the sound quality, the build quality, the reputation of Pass Labs and the designer. The amplifier int60. Is a bonafide bargain.
@@mikem4633 Rubbish! The in60 cost as much as a new car....I could reverse engineer that amp using the same parts for a fraction of the price....
@@EdBenji sure you could.
@@EdBenji of course you could. But you don’t and can’t.
@@mikem4633 O, I can & I will..Just to annoy you & all those Pass fan boys!
those sharp heat sink edges…
but does reliabilty of PASS Labs means they rely on old, tried and tested technology with very little innovation so they cannot compete with Gryphon nor Boulder amp cutting edge tech ?
What happened to your love affair with the Devialet? 🤔
Five years ago? Things change with time.
An investment?
Reason #1 because Nagra is ridiculous over priced garbage. 🤡👍
@@jlo8775 it’s not all garbage. But it is overpriced