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Pass Labs Amps - Does the heat bother you?

I am very intrigued by pass amplifiers (NOT the intergateds). I have heard many good things about them. However, I also have heard from many people that they get really hot. I am interested in the stereo amps.... like the X350. 

Curious, if you own one or used to own one... how do/did you deal with the heat? I wouldn’t want it heating up my living room where the AC runs more (which kills my music enjoyment session). 

Also, I usually leave my  amp on from 5:00 pm till I go to bed (anywhere from 9:00 pm to 12 am). Not sure how that would come into play if a pass labs would be a good fit for me. 

 

dman777
pennpencil
143 posts
 

I have a 250.8 and the xp 30. The preamp doesn’t even have vents so it’s cool. The 250.8 draws about 1/2 watt in sleep mode. So it’s cool. You turn the amp on one hour before using it. Then it gets warm, not hot. I can rest  my hand on the top. It’s the temp of warm tea you would drink. And yes, the amp seems to keep improving up to the second hour.

moto_man
456 posts
 

I wouldn't worry about it.  I have a Pass Labs x250.8 and it is fine and never gets out of Class A.  I also use a 12v trigger so that when I turn on my ArC REF 6, the amp turns on and of course, when I turn the pre off, the amp is in standby too.  So it really never gets that hot and the pre emits more heat.  I'm in Miami and have a 10.5x10.5 music room so I would definitely notice if it was really an issue -- and its not.

au_lait
399 posts
 

No pain no GAIN

incorrigable
203 posts
 

Waste heat is inverse to device efficiency. I'm in a desert so none of my gear makes waste heat. I don't run the dryer in the summer. I bake outside in the barbecue. 

radiantdream
1 posts
 

They definitely run hot. If you leave an X350 on for 5-7 hours, it will noticeably warm up your living room. If AC noise kills your listening session, I'd seriously consider the summer heat factor before buying.

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