Pass Labs .8 Series!

[Bruce B]

Just saw that Pass Labs will debut the new .8 series at CES! Now that's some exciting news!!

 

[mep]

So what's the scoop on the .8 series?

 

[Bruce B]

All I saw was the advertisement that Pass will introduce the .8 series at CES. Don't know if that will be all the X and XA series amps or not.
Maybe they've learned a few tricks with the XS models?

 

[Frank750]

All I saw was the advertisement that Pass will introduce the .8 series at CES. Don't know if that will be all the X and XA series amps or not.
Maybe they've learned a few tricks with the XS models?

They are coming out with the X.8 and XA.8 series of amplifiers in the first quarter of 2014. These upgraded amplifiers will incorporate approximately 50% of the XS series topology, parts and sonic character. Compared to the .5 series, expect better spectral balance and dynamic contrast, especially at lower volume levels. These amplifiers will not be replacing the .5 series but will be offered in addition. There will be all the same models as in the X.5 and XA.5 series. They will continue to offer the .5 series as long as customers are still buying them. The cost of the .8 series is expected to be 17% to 20% higher than the .5 series.

 

[Bruce B]

They are coming out with the X.8 and XA.8 series of amplifiers in the first quarter of 2014. These upgraded amplifiers will incorporate approximately 50% of the XS series topology, parts and sonic character. Compared to the .5 series, expect better spectral balance and dynamic contrast, especially at lower volume levels. These amplifiers will not be replacing the .5 series but will be offered in addition. There will be all the same models as in the X.5 and XA.5 series. They will continue to offer the .5 series as long as customers are still buying them. The cost of the .8 series is expected to be 17% to 20% higher than the .5 series.

Thanks Frank...

 

[XV-1]

At the recent Tokyo show

 

[PeterA]

Wow, those are Pass amps with Magico speakers. A fairly uncommon pairing in the US.

 

[danielk141]

Here's a link to details on the new amps:

http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/01/09/more-on-the-new-pass-labs-dot-8-series/

 

[Bruce B]

I have a feeling that the .5 series will be dropped as soon as the .8 series has been established.

 

[MadFloyd]

I have a feeling that the .5 series will be dropped as soon as the .8 series has been established.

Why's that?

 

[MylesBAstor]

I have a feeling that the .5 series will be dropped as soon as the .8 series has been established.

Not according to Wayne. He feels they gave a different target audience

 

[Bruce B]

Not according to Wayne. He feels they gave a different target audience

I guess we'll see what happens in the next year

 

[MylesBAstor]

I guess we'll see what happens in the next year

I agree. The 160.8 amps were very good sounding! Very un-electronic.

 

[rbbert]

No integrateds (yet?) in the .8 line...

 

[MadFloyd]

I agree. The 160.8 amps were very good sounding! Very un-electronic.

You got to hear them? With what speakers?

 

[rockitman]

I agree. The 160.8 amps were very good sounding! Very un-electronic.

This is no surprise for XS owners...

 

[BlueFox]

I wonder if the meter light can be turned off on the .8 models? I purchased a pair of X600.5 last July, and it is hard to imagine much improvement. The only issue I had is the meter lights remind me of a car coming at me at night, and I found it to be very annoying. Fortunately, the facade on the front of the amps allow a piece of cardboard to be inserted, which blocks the light. If the meters on the .8 cannot be turned of it will be more difficult to block the light.

 

[MylesBAstor]

Sony AR1 speakers. Not my choice but that's what was in the PASS room. Best those Sony's ever sounded-course it was with analog. Usually when hear PASS, it's with digital. Don't think that shows the amp's capabilities off to their utmost.

 

[Peter Breuninger]

We have the full report on the new Pass Labs .8s, interviews, close ups and all that good stuff. Video baby.

 

[PeterA]

I wonder if the meter light can be turned off on the .8 models? I purchased a pair of X600.5 last July, and it is hard to imagine much improvement. The only issue I had is the meter lights remind me of a car coming at me at night, and I found it to be very annoying. Fortunately, the facade on the front of the amps allow a piece of cardboard to be inserted, which blocks the light. If the meters on the .8 cannot be turned of it will be more difficult to block the light.

I do the exact same thing with my XA160.5. I put a piece of shirt cardboard right in front of the meter. Works great. I would love to defeat the light.

The .8 models have a blue light. I was kind of hoping it would be a dim white light like with the XS models.