XA160.5 Owner’s Manual

The amplifier’s voltage and current rating are indicated on the rear panel. It will be either 240 volts, 230 volts, 220 volts, 120 volts or 100 volts. The larger amplifiers have a circuit breaker of the appropriate capacity. The smaller power amplifiers use a slow- blow 3AG type fuse. The frequency rating of the AC line source is 50 to 60 Hz. Please verify that the amplifiers indicated voltage requirements are consistent with the supplied voltage and current at your location.

On the rear panel you will find both RCA and XLR type input connections for single-ended or balanced inputs. If you use the RCA input, be certain that the XLR connector has a gold shorting plug between pins 1 and 3, which connects the “minus” input to ground, otherwise the amplifier will not operate properly. If you lose this plug, just contact the factory – we give them away all the time.

The question comes up all the time – are balanced inputs (XLR) better than single-ended (RCA)? The answer is that balanced lines generally give lower noise and slightly less distortion. They are recommended unless your favorite source component has only RCA outputs.

Also on the rear panel are the output connections for the loudspeakers. On stereo amplifiers there is one pair per channel, and on mono amplifiers we provide two pairs wired in parallel to facilitate “bi-wiring” a loudspeaker. As you are probably familiar, the red one is positive polarity, and the black one is negative.

Please note that, being a balanced output, both of these terminals are electrically live – neither is grounded and should not be treated as ground. This is particularly important if you are using the output of the amp to also drive a subwoofer amplifier or other active component. If there is any question, please contact the manufacturers of the products involved – both they and we will be happy to advise you.

If you happen to need a clean signal ground connection for any reason, we provide a dedicated 5 way binding post just for that on the rear of the amplifier.

On the rear panel you will also find a pair of 5 way binding posts for external turn-on control. Applying 5 to 12 volts DC at this connection will override the front panel stand-by switch and turn the amplifier on.

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Pass Labs 1XA160.5 owner manual
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1XA160.5 specifications

Pass Labs, renowned for its high-performance amplifiers, has made waves with its 1XA160.5 power amplifier. This product epitomizes the brand's commitment to sonic excellence, technical sophistication, and exceptional build quality. Emphasizing a pure, uncolored sound, the 1XA160.5 offers audiophiles a window into the heart of their music.

At the core of the 1XA160.5 is its innovative single-ended Class A design. This architecture allows the amplifier to deliver a lush and natural sound characteristic, which is the hallmark of Pass Labs’ engineering philosophy. Being Class A means that the amplifier operates in its linear range at all times, resulting in minimal distortion and an incredibly rich audio experience. With a power rating of 160 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 320 watts at 4 ohms, the 1XA160.5 provides ample power to drive even the most demanding speakers.

One of the defining technologies of the Pass Labs 1XA160.5 is its use of a high-current, high-performance output stage. This design allows the amplifier to maintain dynamic control even at high volumes, ensuring that transient peaks are handled effortlessly. Coupled with a robust power supply which features a large transformer and substantial capacitance, the 1XA160.5 guarantees high performance across a wide dynamic range.

Furthermore, the 1XA160.5 is built with an emphasis on thermal management, utilizing efficient heat sinks that allow the amplifier to maintain optimal operating temperatures during extended listening sessions. Its solid aluminum chassis not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances structural integrity, minimizing microphonics and unwanted vibrations.

The 1XA160.5 amplifier is equipped with a set of balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, ensuring compatibility with various source components. It also features proprietary circuitry that enhances feedback stability and optimizes distortion performance, contributing to a cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction.

In summary, the Pass Labs 1XA160.5 power amplifier stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to authentic audio playback. With its Class A design, high-current output stage, exceptional build quality, and superior thermal management, it offers audiophiles a compelling option for achieving an unparalleled listening experience. The 1XA160.5 is not just an amplifier; it is a bridge to the emotional core of your music.
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