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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
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.

jrareform's avatar
jrareform
184 posts
 

@ddafoe oh awesome.  What did you think of the pass Labs vs coda sound wise?  Been staring at the s5.5 for a while considering comparing the the xa30.8 but want to hear more opinions.  Thanks!

ddafoe
270 posts
 

I find the S5.5 more like the X250.8 than the XA30.8 in terms of sound signature and also power, which is interesting.   I find the Coda much more resolving than the 30.8 which I found was less resolving than the X250.8; the 30.8 has some warmness and more rounded edges with a very meaty midrange.   I found the X250.8 more neutral compared to the 30.8 and allowed me to hear a little more into the recordings with slightly sharper resolving ability.  I thought the X250.8 was very refined but gave up little of that midrange magic and mass to its smaller class A brother.

I find the S5.5 a little more resolving then the X250.8 with a maybe a slightly drier sound while still offering a nice midrange and imaging.  The S5.5 high frequencies are likely the best of any amp I've owned.  They are very detailed but not in your face.    Considering its cost, size, and warranty, I really like it!

audition__audio
1,773 posts
 

No its the sound. I think Pass is a fine brand, but the 30.8 I owned didnt do anything well but also nothing wrong either. A bit veiled but bullet proof with superb factory support. My Atma-Sphere MA-1s kick off a great deal more heat.

seasidelps
15 posts
 

if they don't change the room temperature, they aren't worth buying IMO:)

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