Fun Hardware Facts

X5 Owner’s Manual

Fortunately the amplifier is not sensitive to the capacitive/inductive character of some of the specialty speaker cables, so feel free to experiment.

We have found that about 90 per cent of bad sounding cables are really bad connections, and we recommend that special attention be paid to cleanliness of contact surfaces and tight fit.

Speaker cables should be firmly tightened down at the speaker output terminals, but do not use a wrench. They will not withstand 100 foot-lbs of torque. Hand tightening without excessive force is plenty.

The X5 has a power transformer, rated at 1000 watts, continuous duty. Under actual conditions in the amplifier the transformer will deliver about 1800 watts for short duration.

All the transistors in the product are power Mosfets, actually Hexfets from International Rectifier and Harris. These are hyper-matched parts, with gate voltages matched to 0.5% and all devices taken from the same lot codes (made on the same wafer). The speed and noise critical gain devices in the front end, (that is to say the actual balanced pair of transistors) are ultra low noise and distortion matched JFETs having a low (.02 S) transconductance figure. The JFETs are made on the same substrate for prefect matching.

The X5 has 40 output Mosfet power transistors in TO-3 plastic packages, again matched to 0.5% and drawn from the same lot codes for each type. The output stages can sustain transients of about 1,000 watts per channel, but are not allowed to dissipate more than half that, even into a dead short.

So how long will this hardware last? It is my experience that, barring abuse or the odd failure of a component, the first things to go will be the power supply capacitors, and from experience, they will last 15 to 20 years. Fortunately they die gracefully and are easily replaced. After that, the longevity will depend on the number of operating thermal cycles, but I can say that I have had amplifiers operating in the field in excess of 20 years with no particular mortality except capacitors. The answer is, I don’t have good information beyond that. More to the point, I would suggest that you not worry about it. This is a conservatively built industrial design, not a tweaky tube circuit run on the brink. If it breaks, we will simply get it fixed, so sleep well.

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.