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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
dman777 OP
188 posts
 

@audiopacer Ok. It will be a a few months before I decide (if I decide). I really like the 861 :) It's a very unique sound to have it so warm but so resolving. 

zarf's avatar
zarf
107 posts
 

The Pass Aleph 5 isn't really warmer than the CJ 62SE. If I play loud (for me, 80 dB can be loud) for a while, the room can get a bit warmer after two hours or so. It's quite nice, as I keep the house on the cool side over the winter. 

studio1
114 posts
 

Friend

 

Congratulations on being able to have discretionary funds to make the purchase.  Since this question will have many responses - I will be brief:

Please add Convergent Audio Technology to your list.  If you can somehow make it to an audio show where they showcase their equipment - you can get a great feel for the sonics of their product.

maxlarson
6 posts
 

My perspective may be on the warmer end of this spectrum - I have a set of Pass XS150s, ~450lbs of all Class A in a room that measures 27X36X9ft. These idle around 700W. In the winter they can add 5-6 degrees to the room after about 4-6 hours of listening. In the summer, the air conditioning more than compensates - and the impact is nil. 

I love the sound of Pass - especially Class A, and they have had some time to warm up. They sound even better after 2-3 glasses of amazing pinot, and even more so as the lights dim. 

ddafoe
270 posts
 

Curious if anyone has any experience with the Coda s5.5 and if that thing is hot as well?  Would love to audition one to try vs my XA30.8

@jrareform, I've owned the X250.8 and XA30.8 and now own the Coda S5.5, and with my easy to drive speakers I don't find the Coda runs near as hot as either of those Pass amps.   I have a smallish 12x17 very well insulated room with no AC, and in the winter months either Pass amp would keep my room warm which was nice, but in the summer I would leave listening sessions in a sweat :(   Not so with Coda; I think the S5.5 is a killer sounding amp for the $$ if you can live with its very muscular 50w.

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