Pass Labs X1000.5 manual

X1000.5 Owners Manual

into the back of the amplifier, and then into the wall. Then turn the breaker switch on (up). The lights in your house will blink when the power supply charges the capacitors; this is normal. This magnetic breaker switch is not to be used as a safety disconnect during servicing and is not a substitute for unplugging the power cord.

On the front panel, the “Standby” LED indicator should be glowing blue, indicating that the power is on. The “Power” LED should not be on. If the “Power” LED is on, don’t get excited, just use the front panel stand-by button to go into stand-by mode, with the “Standby” LED on and the “Power “ LED off.

OK, so the amplifier is sitting there in stand-by mode with just the single blue LED lit. No speaker connected, as yet. You can go ahead and connect the source and speakers. Some speaker cables are very difficult to work with due to physical size and construction, make sure the speaker connections do not short together. It is recommended that you connect the speaker ends of these cables first.

Some powered subwoofers require an audio signal ground reference and their makers may suggest that a black speaker terminal is where this voltage reference might be found. On complementary designs, which would be typical of all power amps produced by Pass Laborato- ries™, this is an incorrect and unsafe assumption. On all Pass Labo- ratories™ power amplifiers a reference of 0 volts will be found only at pin 1 of the XLR input or at the shell of the RCA input.

Reference connections for these devices require special consideration when used with our product. If you have such a device, and wish to use it with our product, please contact our Foresthill, California fac- tory for specific instructions.... you have been warned.

The amplifier can be driven single-end or balanced, if driving the am- plifier single-ended, leave the supplied jumper in place (between pins 1 & 3 on the XLR). Your amplifier will operate without the jumper in place, but performance will be significantly diminished. You must choose either XLR or RCA inputs it is not advised to try and run both concurrently.

Now that the source component is connected, make sure there is no signal coming from it, probably by turning the volume all the way down.

With the speakers connected, push the front panel button to activate the amplifier. The “Power” LED will come on.

X1000.5 specifications

Pass Labs X1000.5 is a high-performance power amplifier that has earned a stellar reputation among audiophiles and sound engineers alike for its exceptional sound quality and robust design. Created by renowned audio engineer Nelson Pass, the X1000.5 exemplifies the fundamental principles of Pass Labs: simplicity, purity, and musicality.

At the core of the X1000.5's capabilities is its Class A operation, delivering 1000 watts of power into 8 ohms and effectively doubling that into 4 ohms. This Class A architecture ensures minimal distortion and a linear response, allowing for an incredibly accurate reproduction of sound across the entire frequency spectrum. The soundstage is wide and immersive, enabling listeners to discern subtle details in both music and vocal performances.

One of the standout technologies employed in the X1000.5 is the use of a complementary output stage consisting of high-speed MOSFETs. This allows the amplifier to manage high instantaneous current demands without sacrificing control or transparency. The use of MOSFETs also contributes to a warm and engaging sonic signature that is characteristic of Pass Labs' designs. The amplifier’s circuitry is designed with an emphasis on low negative feedback, which further enhances the natural sound quality.

The build quality of the X1000.5 is equally impressive. Housed in a robust chassis designed to minimize resonance and electromagnetic interference, the amplifier features a dual-mono configuration with separate power supplies for each channel. This not only provides ample power but also ensures channel separation and coherence in sound reproduction. It also incorporates high-quality components such as low ESR capacitors and a custom-made toroidal transformer, which contributes to its excellent performance.

Additional features include an easy-to-use input stage that supports both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections, making it compatible with a wide range of source components and speaker systems. The X1000.5 is also equipped with protection circuitry that prevents over-temperature and over-current situations, safeguarding both the amplifier and connected speakers.

In summary, the Pass Labs X1000.5 is a masterful blend of power, precision, and artistry. With its Class A operation, advanced MOSFET technology, solid build quality, and user-friendly features, this amplifier is a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking to elevate their listening experience to new heights.