NEWS: Pass Labs Introduces Class A Integrated Amplifier
November 10th, 2009 -- by Chris Martens
Source: AVGuide
Source: AVGuide
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2010, Foresthill, CA-based Pass Laboratories plans to formally introduce its newest integrated amplifier, the 30 Wpc INT-30A, described as a “no-nonsense, user-friendly amplifier (that) delivers outstanding performance and a high level of user satisfaction, exposing today’s audiophile products to a broader spectrum of demanding consumers.” According to a company press release, however, the INT-30A has already begun to ship to dealers.
To appreciate what makes the INT-30A special, readers need to know that it is a Class A amplifier whose circuit topology is based on the design Pass Lab’s XA.5 Series of Class A power amplifiers—amplifiers that include, as does the INT-30A, Pass’ patented Super-SymmetryTM circuit, said to provide dramatic reductions in noise and distortion.
Long-term followers of the work of Nelson Pass, founder and CEO of Pass Laboratories, know that the brilliant designer has had a career-long fascination with Class A amplifier circuits, dating back at least as far as the 1977 publication in Audio magazine of an article describing a DIY (do-it-yourself) construction project for building a Pass-designed 20 Wpc Class A power amplifier. Those who have heard samples of those early Pass Class A designs (such as the legendary Pass A40 amplifier) might agree they were far ahead of their time, offering performance that could arguably stand comparison with some contemporary high-end components. But Pass has never been one to rest on his laurels and in fact has been refining and perfecting Class A amplifier designs ever since. The latest product to benefit from this accumulated know-how is the INT-30A.
Relative to conventional Class A/B amplifier designs, says the Pass press release, Class A amplifiers such as the INT-30A offer superior dynamic range and fast response, so that they move “easily from a black background to explosive transients, presenting recorded materials with a sense of realism and authenticity.”
The INT-30 is rated at 30Wpc @ 8 ohms and 60 Wpc @ 4 ohms, and includes XLR and RCA connection for balanced and single-ended line level inputs, plus XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs. The amp provides beefy speaker connectors plus a five-way binding post for use as a signal ground. The beautifully constructed INT-30A is priced at $7150.
For more information, visit: www.passlabs.com.
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Comments
As much as I respect Neslon Pass and as good as his gear sounds, I just can't see $7K for a 30watt int. amp. If it is like most int. amps, 3/4 of the weight and metal work is heat sink. Extruded aluminum just doesn't cost that much.
Sometimes things are more than just the sum of their parts....
One would think that money is freer today than before the Crisis based on the release of this amp at this price point. As much as I like his gear, I feel like this is a funny move. It will not expand the number of users dramatically at this price point, and given the exchange rate it will be too expensive overseas. Talent in design does not always guarantee success, but it does give you bragging rites. That is probably what the real value is. There are other products at this price point that are either more advanced or more useable on a variety of systems. In my opinion, at this price range, the Moon i-5 or i-7 will play circles around such a low powered unit and sound better in most systems. Good Luck.
Does this sound better than my Sansui receiver?
A Pass pure Class A matched with a good preamp in one chasse will do well. With the dollar being lower vs the Euro, in particular, allows US products be less expensive in Europe. I happened to speak to the Sale VP from Krell last week at a dealer and he said that Krell sales have been very good in Europe due to the exchange rate.