Introduction

XA200 Owner’s Manual

Analog designer Nelson Pass has over the years produced some truly great solid-state amplifiers, each unique in it’s own way. Not surpris- ingly, the Pass Laboratories ™ XA200 monoblock amplifier is no ex- ception. The XA200’s sleek industrial design is a stunning understate- ment of artistic form integrated with state of the art function.

Since the introduction in 1997, the X amplifier series using the pat- ented Supersymmetry™ circuit topology have been the mainstay of amplifier offerings from Pass Laboratories™. These amplifiers are heavily biased Class A/B designs with only two gain stages and an ab- solutely minimal component count in the signal path. In spite of this simplicity and thanks to the unique characteristic of the X topology, these amplifiers achieve very high power with outstanding subjective and objective performance.

With the introduction of the XA200 Pass Laboratories™ significantly raises the performance standard of excellence by introducing an en- tirely new series of power amplifiers. The new “XA” series of ampli- fiers feature a refined and elegantly simple, very highly biased, pure Class A mode of operation. This is a new and unique circuit topology that we descriptively characterize as being Single-ended Class A. This new topology combines the very best characteristics of Pass Labora- tories™ “X” series amplifiers and the highly rated “Pass Laboratories Aleph™”. The XA series is the marriage of a highly refined Aleph™ output stage with the patented Supersymmetry™ “X” front end.

The emphasis of the XA series is to accentuate performance over power. The XA series has the characteristic warm midrange and sweet top end of the Aleph™ product conjoined with the extreme dynamic range and definitive bass control of the X series amplifiers.

The XA 200 is packaged in an artistically refined variant of the mas- sive chassis previously reserved for the 1000 watt X-1000.5 monob- lock amplifier, but running more than twice the Class A bias current of our other amplifiers.

The Pass Labratories™ XA200 will deliver 200 watts rms into 8 ohms of impedance. This is the amplifiers class A limit, driving the XA200 harder or reducing the impedance of the load will not convey any additional power. Driving into a short will not convey any additional power. These are not design oversights or flaws in the XA200, but rather a condition of the very highly biased Class A operation. How- ever; as an interesting point of reference, 200 watts driving a 87dB/ 1W/1m speaker will deliver a 112 dB (very loud) average acoustic sig- nal in a 100 cubic meter room, peaks will be somewhat higher.

2

Page 1 Page 3
Page 2
Image 2
Pass Labs XA200 owner manual Introduction
Page 1 Page 3

XA200 specifications

The Pass Labs XA200 is a distinguished power amplifier that is acclaimed for its exceptional performance and remarkable build quality. Designed for audiophiles who demand the highest fidelity in their audio systems, the XA200 offers a unique blend of power, clarity, and musicality that sets it apart from the competition.

At the heart of the XA200 is a Class A topology, renowned for its ability to deliver pure and uncolored sound. This design ensures that the amplifier operates in its most linear region, providing a smooth and accurate response across the frequency spectrum. With an impressive output of 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and effectively doubling that power into 4 ohms, the XA200 is capable of driving even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease.

One of the standout features of the XA200 is its innovative use of the Pass Labs’ patented Feedforward error correction technology. This groundbreaking approach reduces distortion to extremely low levels, enabling the XA200 to produce a highly detailed and transparent soundstage. Additionally, the amplifier employs a combination of high-quality components, including custom-designed power supply transformers and large reservoir capacitors, to ensure stable operation under various load conditions.

The build quality of the XA200 is also noteworthy. Encased in a robust chassis with a striking aesthetic, this amplifier not only looks elegant but is designed to minimize vibration and resonance. The dual mono configuration of the XA200 ensures that each channel operates independently, further enhancing the overall sound quality and separation of instruments.

In terms of connectivity, the XA200 is equipped with balanced XLR inputs and single-ended RCA inputs, allowing for versatile integration into different audio setups. It also features a switching power supply that enhances its efficiency, ensuring that the amplifier remains cool even during extended listening sessions.

Overall, the Pass Labs XA200 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence in high-end audio. Its combination of power, advanced technologies, and impeccable build quality makes it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether used in a dedicated home theater or a refined stereo system, the XA200 stands ready to reveal the true potential of any musical recording.
Top Page Image Contents