Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pass Laboratories X 350 Amplifier (SS) by tonyw

Model:	X 350
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$9000.
Description:	Supersymmetry topology, 350 w.p.c. @ 8 ohms
Manufacturer URL:	Pass Laboratories
Model Picture:	View

Review by tonyw ( A ) on November 10, 2002 at 19:49:34
IP Address: 66.156.178.183

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for the X 350

I have owned this amplifier since April. It weighs in at 150 lbs. I planned ahead just so I would not have to move it twice. The amp looks impressive and has giant wing nuts for tightening down the speaker wire. I have big thick speaker wire with big gold plated spade ends and these work perfect with the amp's giant binding posts. It is a good looking piece and the big blue eye really looks cool after the sun goes down. This amp runs hot- dissapating 500 Watts just sitting idle and getting even warmer when playing music a bit loudly.

That's how it looks. How it sounds is equally impressive. I have some 4 ohm speakers that can be difficult to drive. This amp has no feedback and with up to 3800 W/pc in reserve- no speaker is too hard for it to drive. Imagine a 4 wheel drive truck pulling a load on a muddy trail. It gets the job done but the engine strains and the traction control is continually working. Now imagine how easily a bulldozer could pull that load through the mud with no strain. This amp is like that bulldozer. The music pours out beautifully, smoothly and effortlessly with stunning realism. At least with my system, the bass goes right through the floor.

Imaging and bloom is very well defined and one thing I noticed with this amp is that voices and instruments to the left and right of centerstage are just as clear and detailed and with bloom as those on center. This is something that none of my previous amps ever did.

I took this amp home just to try it wondering how I would ever come up with that much money. Well, let's just say that I will be working a couple of more years to retirement now; but then its better to enjoy each day now that the good Lord gives us anyway.

Product Weakness: Can get really hot- if that can be called a weakness.
Product Strengths: Powerful moving music pours out of this amp. Deep deep bass, wonderful voices and highs.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pass Labs X350
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC SP15
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sota/SME, ARC DACMKII w/CAL Transport
Speakers:	Thiel CS3.6
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Red Dawn
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, Classical, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 15 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	drapes- normal stuff
Time Period/Length of Audition:	7 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Power
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Can get really hot- if that can be called a weakness.
Product Strengths:	Powerful moving music pours out of this amp. Deep deep bass, wonderful voices and highs.