XA30.8 Stereo Power Amplifier

The Pass Labs XA30.8 is an exceptional stereo power amplifier on many levels -- high-biased MOSFETs providing higher-power class A operation, direct-coupled front-end circuitry for exceptionally high stability and larger, more robust heats sinks similar to those of the larger .8 amplifiers. The list goes on, but listening may tell you the XA30.8 represents a value high-point -- quite possibly your particular optimal balance between performance and cost.

An exceptional stereo power amplifier on many levels -- high-biased MOSFETs providing higher-power class A operation, direct-coupled front-end circuitry for exceptionally high stability and larger, more robust heats sinks similar to those of the larger .8 amplifiers. The list goes on, but listening may tell you the XA30.8 represents a value high-point -- quite possibly your particular optimal balance between performance and cost.

For me, listening to the XA30.8 is not unlike the first time I heard a really great stereo system; it is different, alive, and fantastic"
— Gary Beard, Positive Feedback

Input Connection and Input Impedance

The amplifiers take either a single-ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) input connection. The input impedance is 50 Kohms single-ended and 100 Kohms balanced, and the input capacitance is just a few picofarads so anything will drive it. If you are using RCA inputs, then you want to use the gold input jumper to short the (-) input (pin 3) of the XLR connector to ground (pin 1).

Output Connection

You can hook this amplifier up to any normal loudspeaker without danger of damage. Note, however that both the (+) Red output connection and the (-) Black output connection are live There is no ground reference at the speaker terminals. The black (-) speaker terminal must never be treated as ground.

This can be important when you are hooking up active sub-woofers to the output of the amp – if you need a signal ground connection then use the white ground terminal provided on the rear panel.

The white signal ground connection is not a safety ground. Safety ground is provided only by the detachable power cord. Never defeat the safety purpose of the power cord.

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Awards

HomeTheaterReview - Best of 2016 Award

Writers' Choice Award, 2015 - Positive Feedback

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