Speaker Interface

Interconnects and Speaker Cables

X5 Owner’s Manual

of about 9 volts to 15 volts. This switching will override the front panel button, so if you want the button to operate, leave the rear connection open.

So much for essential information.

The X5 is optimized for loads nominally rated at 4 ohms and above. You can run the amplifiers into a lower nominal impedance without difficulty, and we are not aware of a speaker on the market that presents unusual difficulty with these amplifiers.

The X amplifiers do not care particularly about the reactivity of the load. Reactive loads typically will have slightly less distortion at a given voltage/current level than resistive loads, but will make the amplifier run a little hotter. The X circuit was designed to be quite happy driving electrostatic and other speakers, since it is unconditionally stable.

When driving transformer-coupled loads directly, as in some electrostatic and ribbon designs, some attention must be paid to the DC character of the situation. If the transformer primary is being driven raw with no protection from DC and your source has DC voltage, or in cases where the small offset of the power amplifier is still too much, you may create distortion in the transformer and get less than optimal performance from it. Generally this is not the case with transformer coupled loudspeakers, but it does occasionally surface. In these cases, take special care that the source does not contain a differential DC component, and confirm the differential DC offset of the amplifier is sufficiently low. This is easily adjusted by a qualified technician armed with the service manual. Again, consult your dealer or call us.

We have a general recommendation about interconnects, which is that they should cost less than the amplifier. We have tried a lot of products and most of them work well, but as a practical matter we cannot make blanket recommendations.

The amplifier is not sensitive to source interconnects. It is also not sensitive to radio frequency pickup, which allows some flexibility in choosing source interconnects without shields.

We prefer speaker cables that are thick and short. Silver and copper are the preferred metals. If you find any cable made of gold, please send me a couple hundred feet.

X5 specifications

Pass Labs X5 is a distinguished power amplifier that brings together advanced engineering with a commitment to high-fidelity sound reproduction. Designed for audiophiles who desire an extraordinary listening experience, the X5 is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and performance.

At the heart of the X5 is its balanced Class A topology, which ensures that the amplifier delivers a rich sound signature with a lush midrange and extended high frequencies. This configuration minimizes crossover distortion, providing a clean and accurate representation of the input signal. The result is a dynamic range that captures the subtleties in music, from the softest whispers to the most powerful crescendos.

The X5 boasts a powerful output stage capable of delivering 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, making it suitable for driving a wide range of speakers with ease. This power allows the X5 to maintain control over the speakers, ensuring that even during demanding passages, there is no loss of clarity or detail. The amplifier's ability to handle low impedance loads further enhances its versatility, catering to a vast array of speaker types.

One of the standout features of the Pass Labs X5 is its dual-mono architecture. This design isolates the left and right channels, reducing crosstalk and enhancing stereo imaging. By keeping the signal paths dedicated, listeners can enjoy a more defined soundstage where each instrument and vocal can be placed exactly where it was intended in the mix.

The build quality of the X5 is exceptional, with a robust chassis designed to minimize vibrations and interference. The internal components, including high-quality capacitors and resistors, are meticulously selected to optimize performance and longevity. The attention to detail extends to the heat sink design, which ensures efficient thermal management, keeping the amplifier cool during long listening sessions.

Overall, the Pass Labs X5 power amplifier represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, combining innovative technologies with a robust design to deliver unparalleled sound quality. Whether used in a dedicated listening room or as part of a high-end home theater system, the X5 stands as a premier choice for those who seek the ultimate in audiophile performance. With its impressive power, precision, and beauty, the X5 is not just an amplifier; it is an investment in musical enjoyment for years to come.