You are ready to play music, More things to know

You are ready to play music

X350.5 Owners Manual

Do everybody a favor and try not to have shorted output cables. It happens accidentally all the time, and the amplifier is designed to sur- vive, mostly.

Of course it’s always possible that something could go wrong. If so, don’t get excited, just relax. It’s really aggravating when something like this doesn’t work, we understand, but it will get fixed. We go to a lot of trouble to make products reliable, and the failure rate of our ampli- fiers is very low. This is small comfort to the few, but take it easy and give us a call if you have problems.

People are often interested in how long it takes for these amplifiers to break in. Perhaps a more salient question is how long does it take them to reach their sonic best after turn on. It takes about an hour for them to fully warm up, and this is where we adjust them first. Then we adjust them again and again over a couple of days, keeping the bias and offset in the sweet spot. Our environment is about 23 degrees Centigrade and the heat sinks will rise approximately 25 degrees C. above that, for an average on heat sink temperature of 48 degrees C. Sonically they are at their best when the heatsinks are approximately 50 degrees C.

In your setup the temperature may vary a bit due to line voltage varia- tions and ventilation, but this is not a big deal. You should be able to put your hands on the heat sinks without discomfort for 10 seconds or so. It is normal for the heasink temperature to vary side-to-side and front to back.

The amplifier has a thermal cutout that will disconnect AC power if the temperature exceeds 75 degrees Centigrade. This should never occur in real life.

More things to know

You can remotely operate the stand-by mode by applying 12 volts DC to the single pair of binding post connectors on the rear of the ampli- fier. The positive of the 12 volts DC goes to the red connector. This connection has an actual operating range of about 9 volts to 15 volts at a current draw of approximately 5.0mA. This switching will over- ride the front panel button, so if you want the front panel button to operate, leave the rear connection open.

So much for the most essential information.

X350.5 specifications

The Pass Labs X350.5 is a high-performance power amplifier renowned for its exceptional sound quality and cutting-edge technology. Designed by acclaimed audio engineer Nelson Pass, the X350.5 embodies a commitment to delivering a rich and immersive listening experience, making it a favorite among audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the X350.5 is its Class A/B amplifier design. This brilliant configuration allows for a balance between high efficiency and class A sound reproduction. The amplifier operates in pure Class A mode for lower power demands, providing a pristine audio signal with reduced distortion. When power requirements increase, it seamlessly transitions to Class AB operation, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of playback levels.

The X350.5 is rated for 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms, which provides ample power to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers. Its ability to deliver 700 watts into 4 ohms ensures that dynamic peaks in music are handled effortlessly, preserving the integrity of the audio signal. This capability is further enhanced by the amplifier’s robust power supply, which features a substantial toroidal transformer and large reservoir capacitors, ensuring adequate power is always available for high transient demands.

Another defining characteristic of the X350.5 is its innovative thermal management system. The amplifier utilizes a patented biased circuit that keeps the output devices within an optimal temperature range, enhancing longevity and reliability while maintaining sound performance. The unique design also incorporates oversized heat sinks that dissipate heat efficiently, allowing the amplifier to operate cool under heavy loads.

The X350.5 features a balanced and unbalanced input configuration, making it versatile enough to integrate seamlessly into various audio setups. The careful attention to detail in the internal component quality and layout reflects Pass Labs’ dedication to minimizing noise and maximizing signal integrity.

With its sophisticated design, the Pass Labs X350.5 offers audiophiles an unrivaled listening experience, characterized by rich timbre, precise imaging, and expansive soundstage. This amplifier is not merely a piece of equipment; it's an invitation to experience music as it was meant to be heard, bringing recordings to life in the comfort of one's home. The X350.5 exemplifies Pass Labs' philosophy of combining art and precision in the pursuit of audio excellence.