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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
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:)

kennyc
2,860 posts
 

 

Pass Labs Amps - Does the heat bother you?

Winter=No, Summer=Yes

rush1
17 posts
 

I live in the tropics and use a Pass Labs XA30.8 to drive my RAAL Immanis via the ribbon interface. I honestly have no issue with the heat whatsoever.

In fact, the amp sits under my desk, which you'd think would make the heat more noticeable, but it hasn't been a problem. My apartment AC is always on, so that certainly helps.

The XA30.8 does run warm—as expected from a Class A Pass amplifier—but in daily use I find the heat concern is often overstated. I typically leave it on for several hours during listening sessions, and it has never made my room or even my legs feel noticeably warmer.

dman777 OP
188 posts
 

Just a follow up... I heard some Pass Labs class A monoblocks. On some Dynaudios. It sounded way to tame and boring for me. So, scratch Pass Labs for me. 

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