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XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier (Pair)

$14,250.00
In Stock

60 watts per channel, Class A, and world-class amplification. More details

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The Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier is a true powerhouse in the world of high-end audio amplification. The XA60.8 is a reference-quality monoblock amplifier, meticulously crafted to deliver unparalleled sonic performance. With a robust Class A topology, each XA60.8 amplifier is capable of delivering a substantial 60 watts of pure power into 8 ohms, ensuring dynamic and detailed sound reproduction. The symmetrical circuitry and premium components contribute to its exceptional clarity and accuracy, allowing the listener to experience music with unmatched realism. Equipped with balanced (XLR) inputs, large heat sinks, and a sophisticated power supply, the Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, offering audiophiles and music enthusiasts an unparalleled listening experience.

Dragon Cable Recommendation: we recommend pairing the XA60.8 Power Amplifier with the Silver Dragon Interconnect. The Silver Dragon Interconnect is one of our best-selling cables at Moon Audio. Sold in Pairs, it is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. The Black Dragon Power Cable is also recommended to provide the cleanest and unbridled power to your high-end amplifier.

The Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier is packed with features that elevate its performance to the highest echelon of audio excellence:

  1. Monoblock Design: Dedicated power supplies, circuitry, and chassis for each channel ensure uncompromising performance and separation.
  2. Class A Topology: Utilizes Pass Labs' renowned Class A topology for exceptional sound quality and low distortion.
  3. 60 Watts per Channel: Provides a robust 60 watts of power per channel into 8 ohms, delivering dynamic and detailed sound reproduction.
  4. Symmetrical Circuitry: Ensures balanced and accurate audio reproduction, capturing the subtlest musical details.
  5. Premium Components: Meticulously selected components contribute to the amplifier's exceptional sound clarity and dynamics.
  6. Balanced (XLR) Inputs: Offers balanced inputs for superior signal transfer and noise rejection.
  7. Large Heat Sinks: Equipped with large heat sinks to dissipate heat efficiently, ensuring optimal performance over extended listening sessions.
  8. Sophisticated Power Supply: Features a robust and sophisticated power supply design for stable and reliable performance.
  9. Beautiful Design: Boasts a clean and elegant design, reflecting Pass Labs' commitment to both aesthetics and performance.
  10. Focus and Intimacy: Achieves levels of focus and intimacy normally associated with the finest tube amplifiers, offering a rich and immersive audio experience.
  11. Greater Control: Provides greater control and power, ensuring the amplifier can effortlessly drive a wide range of speakers.
  12. Enhanced Soundstage: The dedicated monoblock design offers a cleaner, better-defined image and soundstage, enhancing the listening experience.
  13. Exceptional Transparency: Delivers exceptional transparency and clarity, allowing the listener to hear every detail in the music.
  14. Solid-State Design: Offers the benefits of solid-state amplification, including efficiency, reliability, and stable performance.
  15. Perfect Pairing: Ideal for pairing with high-end audio systems, the XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier elevates the listening experience to new heights of sonic bliss.

Bringing forth the exceptional sonic qualities of the renowned .8 amplifier line, the Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifiers stand as a testament to dedicated performance. Each pair of XA60.8's presents the listener with the exquisite precision of mono-block design, where dedicated power supplies, dedicated circuitry, and dedicated chassis for each channel work in perfect harmony. This meticulous approach ensures a cleaner, more defined image and expansive soundstage, captivating both the ears and eyes. The XA60.8's achieve levels of focus and intimacy typically associated with the finest tube amplifiers, offering a rich and immersive audio experience. Despite this finesse, these monoblocks do not compromise on power and control, delivering 60 watts of pure, dynamic energy per channel. With the Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifiers, discerning audiophiles are treated to a harmonious blend of artistry and engineering, allowing music to be experienced in its purest form.

Pass Labs and First Watt

Pass Labs and First Watt were founded by hi-fi legend Nelson Pass. After co-founding and later selling Threshold Audio, Pass began working out of his Auburn, California, home in the early 1990s to develop prototypes of single-ended Class A amplifier designs under the name Pass Labs. Pass Labs quickly became known for its commercially produced Aleph, X, and XA Series amps, and preamps. Pass later started First Watt as a passion project focusing on low-power amps for a niche audiophile audience. Today, Pass splits his time between the two companies, with production happening in Pass Labs' facility in Foresthill, California.

F.A.Q.

What is the power output of the Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier?

The Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier is rated at 60 Watts per channel into 8 ohms. This robust power output, combined with its Class A operation, ensures ample power delivery for a wide range of speakers. The XA60.8 is designed to drive demanding loads with ease, providing dynamic and detailed sound reproduction.

What sets the Pass Labs XA60.8 apart from other amplifiers in its class?

The Pass Labs XA60.8 stands out for its pure Class A operation and meticulous design. It is a true Class A amplifier, meaning it operates in Class A mode at all times, regardless of the output level. This design choice contributes to its warm, natural sound signature and exceptional musicality. The XA60.8 is also known for its low distortion and high-current delivery, ensuring an engaging and lifelike listening experience.

Can the Pass Labs XA60.8 be bridged for higher power output?

No, the Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier is designed to operate as a single-channel (monoblock) amplifier and cannot be bridged for higher power output. Each XA60.8 unit is a standalone amplifier, providing 60 Watts of power into 8 ohms. However, users can pair multiple XA60.8 units for multi-amplification setups, allowing for bi-amping or tri-amping configurations for even greater control and performance.

Does the Pass Labs XA60.8 require any special considerations for setup or maintenance?

The Pass Labs XA60.8 Monoblock Amplifier is relatively straightforward to set up and operate. It does not require bias adjustments, as it is a self-biasing Class A design. However, users should ensure proper ventilation for optimal performance, as Class A amplifiers can generate heat. Adequate ventilation will help maintain the amplifier's performance and longevity. Additionally, it is recommended to provide sufficient space around the amplifier for airflow and to follow Pass Labs' guidelines for safe and optimal operation.

Who is Nelson Pass?

Nelson Pass, the man behind Pass Labs and First Watt, has been designing and building amplifiers for decades. His early passion, however, was speakers; at age 14, he started assembling loudspeakers. As a college student studying physics at the University of California-Davis, he co-founded a speaker company called PMA. He also worked for ESS, where he designed crossovers and enclosures. After college, with his interest having shifted toward amplifiers, Pass co-founded Threshold Electronics (now Threshold Audio). His achievements during the Threshold years include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit; developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier; and developing the STASIS stereo preamplifier and power amplifier. During the 1980s, Pass designed the Adcom GFA-555 amplifier. Later, after selling Threshold, he started Pass Labs in 1991 and First Watt in 1997. Pass holds several patents related to audio circuits.

How did Pass Labs make its name?

Pass Labs helped popularize solid-state, Class A power amplifiers. Pass Labs' first product, the Aleph 0 amplifier, operated as single-ended Class A up to its 70 watt rating and in push pull Class A at higher wattage. The Aleph series of amplifiers, some of the first solid-state amps that were said to be "tube-like" in sound, operated pure class A and contained internal circuitry using MOSFETs. The Aleph amplifiers had a unique appearance, a cube with heat sinks on all four sides, a solution to the heat generated by the class-A design. This can be attributed primarily to the specific MOSFETs used and the minimum number of gain stages that were implemented in the design. Pass Labs also developed the Super-Symmetry™ ("Su-Sy") circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. In 1998, Pass Labs released the X1000, the first amplifier using the patented SuperSymmetric™ topology. The X1000 achieved 1000 watts with high performance, local feedback and only two gain stages: a cascoded differential pair of transistors and a large bank of complementary output followers. This groundbreaking design informed all subsequent Pass Labs amplifiers.

What else does Pass Labs make?

In 2002, Pass Labs unveiled the first XA amplifiers, combining the X and Aleph topologies into balanced single-ended Class A amplifiers with many of the characteristics of both the X and Aleph series. The current Pass Labs lineup includes Class A amps (XA and Xs Series), Class AB amps (.8 Series), line preamps (Xs and XP Series), phono preamps (Xs and XP Series), integrated amps (INT Series), and one headphone amp.

What is the relationship between Pass Labs and First Watt?

When he started Pass Labs, Pass did everything out of his home. In 1997, having outgrown the space, Pass Labs moved into commercial space in Foresthill, California. When Pass started First Watt, it was a "kitchen table" venture, with work once again happening in his home. In 2016, with production demands not leaving him enough time to pursue the vast array of yet-to-be-designed amps, Nelson handed the business end of First Watt over to Pass Labs. Pass Labs took over the building of First Watt amplifiers as well as marketing and distribution. There's a synergy between the two operations, in that Pass Labs gets to gather up some of the more interesting First Watt finds and repurpose them as more commercially viable designs. Today, Pass splits his time between First Watt and Pass Laboratories.

Specifications

ClassA
TypeMono
Gain (dB)26
Full Pwr @ 26 dB gain (V)1.10
Low Frequency Response1.5 Hz
High Frequency Response100 KHz
Power Output /ch (8 ohm)60
Input Impedance (SE & BAL Kohms)50/100
Damping Factor150
Power Consumption @ Idle (Watts)370
Unit Dimension (W x D x H)(In.)19 x 21.25 x 7.5
Unit Weight (LBS)88

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