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X1000.5 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.

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.