Pass Labs INT-250

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 08:55:30
airtime Audiophile Posts: 11287 Location: Arizona Joined: February 4, 2003	Isn't that something like 78 pounds. At one time I was looking into one of those models. I AM looking forward towards your review or opinion on how it performs.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 10:22:50
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9739 Joined: September 24, 1999	Excellent. I have its little brother, the INT60. Enjoy, Jack

The Maggies should really like that! :) -nt, posted on March 11, 2017 at 14:06:39
E-Stat Audiophile Posts: 37580 Joined: May 12, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002	.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 15:39:00
bigshow Audiophile Posts: 472 Location: WI Joined: December 3, 2012	Pass is one the very few solid state amps I would go for. OK, I'm a little jealous. Nice choice. bigshow

+1...(nt), posted on March 11, 2017 at 16:51:05
mkuller Audiophile Posts: 38130 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: April 22, 2003	(nt)

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:19:00
bullethead	Magnificent and glorious! Best of listening with your Maggie's ... I too admire your purchase. Good luck with it, it really looks like you've found a fantastic integrated, very rare to find something top shelf like that nowadays. Do let us know your thoughts in a few months. Will you be replacing your other Pass system or making a second system with the remaining components? :)

Stiff neck, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:29:47
Des Audiophile Posts: 2110 Location: Great Barrier Reef Joined: August 3, 2000 Contributor Since: August 2, 2000	Des

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:42:17
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Actually, more like 105 lbs, and much more with the box. I had help carrying it to my listening room.

RE: The Maggies should really like that! :) -nt, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:43:18
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	They had the x250.5 before; I think this one is going to be even better, especially as it seems to be specifically designed for speakers like maggies.

Thank you! (nt) , posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:43:46
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:45:15
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	I traded in my X1 preamp and the x250.5 amp to get this. Mark, at Renohifi.com, is such a wonderful person to work with. I enjoy dealing with him (and the folks at Pass Labs).

and sore back! nt, posted on March 11, 2017 at 17:45:59
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006

RE: The Maggies should really like that! :) -nt, posted on March 12, 2017 at 07:22:11
E-Stat Audiophile Posts: 37580 Joined: May 12, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002	If memory serves, that is part of the "dot 8" series.

Congrats, posted on March 12, 2017 at 08:16:57
Quint Dealer Posts: 3657 Joined: June 21, 2003	Beautiful piece of gear. Pass is definitely at the top of my list of amplifiers to get should anything befall my Coda. This is a public service announcement . . . WITH GUITARS!!!

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 12, 2017 at 09:46:23
Dave Garretson Audiophile Posts: 2448 Joined: June 14, 2005	Nice amp! There may be something wrong with your meter. On my XA-160.8, the meter never points left of center. The meter drifts right when the unit is warming up or is driven into Class B.

Nothing wrong, posted on March 12, 2017 at 11:29:56

E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37580
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
Since: April 5, 2002

Navigate to passlabs.com and look at pics of various amps. While the XA series has the meter centered, all the pics of the AB series do not.

Which makes sense given Nelson's explanation of the bias meters.

"As a practical matter, this means that our X (Class AB) amplifiers are biased to dissipate roughly half of their rated output power. The XA (Class A) amplifiers are biased to dissipate roughly three times their rated output power."

Yes, whew! LOL (nt), posted on March 12, 2017 at 17:07:51
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 13, 2017 at 00:22:35
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Beautiful pics- what cables/cords are you using?

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 13, 2017 at 06:11:26
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Speaker cables are Analysis Plus, with a double run for internal biwiring; there are also the connections to the REL Strata III subwoofer on the speaker terminals. From the CD players, I'm running Tara Labs interconnects.

Sure is purdy!, posted on March 13, 2017 at 06:40:47
Justlisten2 Audiophile Posts: 1266 Location: SE PA Joined: March 8, 2001	Nice piece of gear! I hope that you enjoy it for many years! I love my XA-100.5 mono-block amps!!! Yes, Mark from Reno HiFi is great to work with!!

RE: Sure is purdy!, posted on March 13, 2017 at 06:45:47
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	What struck me was, after looking at pictures of it, I was still a bit shocked when I saw it the first time in person. Pictures don't really do it justice.

Oh that's an understatement, posted on March 13, 2017 at 08:26:38
airtime Audiophile Posts: 11287 Location: Arizona Joined: February 4, 2003	the first time I saw one I was a little shocked myself. Like it should have it's own zip code! It was sitting in the same room as a full set of Burmester's, MBL and the BIG Sonus Faber speakers. I mean the $256k set not the small ones. It was over a ton of audio just in that room. Yep, art by the pound.

Sure is expensive!, posted on March 13, 2017 at 09:53:51
Mike K Audiophile Posts: 13973 Location: 97701 Joined: September 23, 1999	$12K! Fine sounding complete systems can be had for $12k!! Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

RE: Sure is expensive! - But worth it, posted on March 13, 2017 at 11:13:36

fin1bxn@msn.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
Joined: November 15, 2005

I can tell you one thing, I had a 19K Audio research system running my Wilson 8's and it didn't sound as good as my PASS X250.5. (SP20 Preamp and Reference 110 Amp) Same room, same wires, same music same day.

So considering this is an even better amp than my 250.5. Seems to be a good deal for that price range or higher....

Just my experience comparing with ARC.

I'm sure their are other systems that cost less that might sound as good or better, But I know for Sure, that the PASS is going to last 24/7 for 10 or more years....Drive just about any speaker and sound good doing it.

Its all about synergy

Actually, ARC and Pass Labs mate pretty well., posted on March 13, 2017 at 14:27:59
Justlisten2 Audiophile Posts: 1266 Location: SE PA Joined: March 8, 2001	I know many who use a ARC preamp with Pass Labs amps with good results. I am using a Reference 5 preamp with my XA-100.5's and the sound is great! Nothing wrong with mixing and matching!

RE: Sure is expensive! - But worth it, posted on March 13, 2017 at 14:52:44
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Although I haven't had a lot of time to listen yet, and it isn't even fully broken in, I can tell you that this sounds better than my Pass Labs X1 preamp and x250.5x combination. Didn't really expect that much improvement, but I was wrong. And this runs a lot cooler than the X250.5 did.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 13, 2017 at 14:55:04
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Note, I've taken the REL Strata III out of the system as it cannot run with this amp using the Neutrik connection. So, more downsizing as I'll be selling the sub as well; I don't think it really adds that much to the 3.6s, actually.

RE: Sure is expensive!, posted on March 13, 2017 at 14:58:08
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Got a good deal from Mark at RenoHiFi; it was a display unit, so essentially new but a good discount from a new one--so new that it still had to be broken in, and came with a 3 year warranty.

But worth it, posted on March 13, 2017 at 19:36:44
bare Audiophile Posts: 1879 Joined: April 14, 2009	Regardless of What? you may believe, it Does Not require break in.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 04:50:02
gbeard Reviewer Posts: 646 Location: Indiana Joined: April 21, 2000	Curious about your REL comment. I currently have the INT 60 in for review and I use my REL Strata III on the high level input without issue. You do have to connect the ground to the white grounding post or it won't work. Enjoy!!

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 05:25:09
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Interesting mix of cabling- slapshot.

RE: Sure is expensive! - But worth it, posted on March 14, 2017 at 05:26:28
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	As you get more listening hours established, let me know how you like the Pass Labs and Marantz cd player combo.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 05:41:49
RGA Reviewer Posts: 15177 Location: Hong Kong Joined: August 8, 2001	I love the looks of these amplifiers. A touch of bling but not overly busy like some amps. Congrats. You should get decades of enjoyment out of that beast.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 06:51:26

slapshot
Audiophile

Posts: 2248
Joined: January 9, 2006

For me, the white grounding post does not get rid of the hum. If I connect the black Neutrik wire from the sub to the black binding post of the speaker, the sub does not hum. However, I've been informed that this connection is problematic with a balanced amp such as mine because the black speaker terminal is driven to negative voltage and is not ground. Apparently, at issue is that REL typically connects their ground to the third pin of the AC mains power cord. In that case the negative DC rail of the INT-250 is driving straight to earth ground.... not good practice. If you have two subs, no problem.

I wasn't convinced the sub was really necessary with the 3.6s, so rather than risk damaging either the amp or the sub, and rather than try to connect rca connections, I decided just to remove the sub.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:01:02
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	LOL..only if I live that long! :)

Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:03:57
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9739 Joined: September 24, 1999	I'm using AP oval 8s and solo crystal cables with my INT-60. Seems to be a good combination. Jack

RE: Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:28:01
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	I have no complaints about the Analysis Plus cables--I'm not convinced my ears are good enough to be able to compare cables and interconnects, nor am I rich enough to experiment with various brands (some of which, as everyone knows, can get quite expensive).

RE: Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:32:32
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9739 Joined: September 24, 1999	I've had these for well over 10 years now. I do hear a difference, but I've been happy enough with these that I don't want to buy anything else, though I have tried a few in the past. Don't want to spend the money either. Jack They have worked well with almost everything I've hooked them to.

RE: Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:35:51
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Jack G I see that you are using a Marantz cd player w/ your Pass Labs amp.

RE: Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 07:56:36
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Wow, parallel worlds: pass labs, analysis plus, and marantz!

RE: Interesting, posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:42:09
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9739 Joined: September 24, 1999	yes, the SA-11S3 SACD player. It works well with the Pass amp. It one of the few of their SACD players with balanced out. Very good combo. Jack

Even planar speakers, posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:48:16
Jack G Audiophile Posts: 9739 Joined: September 24, 1999	I've got ML, you have Maggies. Jack

RE: Even planar speakers, posted on March 14, 2017 at 09:59:12

slapshot
Audiophile

Posts: 2248
Joined: January 9, 2006

LOL...we're like related or something!

But, Pass Labs, Magenpan, Analysis Plus, Marantz...all very solid companies, I think, and this is important to me when it comes to audio gear.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 12:37:04

gbeard
Reviewer

Posts: 646
Location: Indiana
Joined: April 21, 2000

Certainly you don't want to risk damaging your beautiful equipment. And as you said, no, don't plug it into the neg speaker post.

I have had similar issues with balanced gear, like the Benchmark AHB2. I don't know why I am not having any problems with the INT 60 (or my XA30.8 for that matter), and you are, but it's not the first time I've heard of this with other gear, just not Pass Labs.

Maybe I need your other Strata III! :))

Enjoy the amp. I'll bet it sounds great on those Maggies!

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 14, 2017 at 14:19:21
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	I can't think of a better match than this integrated with maggies. And I like that it runs much cooler than the 250.5.

FWIW, posted on March 14, 2017 at 17:32:53
E-Stat Audiophile Posts: 37580 Joined: May 12, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002	I got over thirty trouble-free years from a Threshold Stasis amp. Ok, so I proactively replaced the two beer can sized power supply Mallory caps around year 25. :)

RE: FWIW, posted on March 14, 2017 at 18:55:32
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	As I said elsewhere, Pass Labs has repaired my amps for free each time I've sent them in. That's service!

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 15, 2017 at 07:21:20
Bill O'Connell Distributor or Rep Posts: 245 Location: Arlington Heights, IL Joined: April 28, 2004	Beautiful looking amp. Waiting for my X250.8 to be delivered tomorrow. Anticipation is over the top.

RE: Actually, ARC and Pass Labs mate pretty well., posted on March 15, 2017 at 08:00:12
fin1bxn@msn.com Audiophile Posts: 2215 Location: new jersey Joined: November 15, 2005	I agree I used to have the pass x2.5 pre and upgraded to the new ARC sp20 besides how good it sounds it also has an excellent phono section.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 15, 2017 at 11:10:24
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Have a friend nearby to help you lift it! :)

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 15, 2017 at 14:21:02
Bill O'Connell Distributor or Rep Posts: 245 Location: Arlington Heights, IL Joined: April 28, 2004	I do. already set up a week ago, as at age 63 with 2 double hernias already repaired , I have learned my lesson. Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 15, 2017 at 18:23:03
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Only one hernia for me! LOL

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 16, 2017 at 13:49:02
Bill O'Connell Distributor or Rep Posts: 245 Location: Arlington Heights, IL Joined: April 28, 2004	It has arrived! Hooked up and playing, oh yea

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 16, 2017 at 13:50:14
slapshot Audiophile Posts: 2248 Joined: January 9, 2006	Congrats. I know the feeling! :)

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 16, 2017 at 23:50:28
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Bill- whom do you represent as a Distributor/Rep ?

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 17, 2017 at 08:13:13

Bill O'Connell
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 245
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Joined: April 28, 2004

Eastern Electric.
I had installed some caps ( Duelands & CMR Clarity caps ) into my speaker crossover
and decided I didn't want to burn out my tubes while burn in was happening on the caps.
One of my good friends Wayne recommended that I build the ACA mono-blocks from the DIY forum. I had asked him about best inexpensive SS amp to purchase for this project without breaking the bank.Nelson Pass simple circuit and bar none probably the best amplification for the $287 delivered to your door was his answer. Two days to build and I was so shocked at how good these little mono's were, albeit 6 watts. Wayne has the XA600.8 mono's from Pass Labs. To make a long story short, I was looking for a higher wattage SS amp as Eastern Electric has never made a SS amp.After Wayne recommended the 250.8 I decided that was the SS amp I wanted.Read everything I could on it three times over and pulled the trigger on purchase.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 17, 2017 at 11:19:13
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22597 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	Crossover caps will form in a matter of a few hours. Done. Too much is never enough

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 17, 2017 at 14:05:30
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Very nice- Bill.

RE: Pass Labs INT-250, posted on March 19, 2017 at 03:22:17
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15518 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	Nice system- Bill.

Amp/Preamp Asylum

Pass Labs INT-250

76.25.11.220