Pass Labs X2.2 owner manual Introduction

Introduction

X2.2 Owner’s Manual

The X2.2 is an ultra high quality non-remote linestage audio preamplifier with internal power supply. It combines a completely new circuit topology with traditional construction representing thirty five years of preamplifier design.

This preamplifier flows from a commitment to create the best sounding product: a simple circuit with the most natural sonic characteristics. Derived from US Patent # 5,376,899, the X2.2 integrates power MOSFET and JFET devices in a simple Class A topology in order to deliver the finest sound possible.

The Super-Symmetric gain circuitry is unique in providing superior flexibility and performance with both balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, converting one to the other as desired without extra circuitry and without performance degradation.

The X2.2 minimizes the number of components in the signal path, and yet retains exemplary objective performance specifications. It pushes the edge of the art in exploring how much subjective quality is obtainable with a new but very elementary gain stage.

The X2.2 employs a patented new type of volume control that offers significantly better performance than seen before in an electronic control. It provides over 60 dB of range, large voltage swing and very good measured performance. The distortion and noise is at 1/10 and the dynamic range 100 times the previous state of the art in active attenuation. Most importantly it is subjectively outstanding; better than any potentiometer we have evaluated.

The X2.2 may be factory upgraded to the X2.5 which will convey several operational functions and remote control which are absent from the X2.2. The upgrade will also change the front panel display to the more informative vacuum fluorescent alpha-numeric display. Very few people are involved in the production of this product. I supervise all phases of the construction, and I test each preamplifier myself. If you have questions, comments, or problems, please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you for purchasing this preamplifier. It is my sincere hope that you will enjoy its sound as much as I do.

Wayne Colburn

Vice President, Design

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