Pass Labs 250.8

ddark65 · « **on:** 27 Mar 2017, 04:10 am »

I'm thinking of picking up a new Pass Labs 250.8
anyone have a .8 ? Any feedback would be appreciated

DTB300 · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Mar 2017, 02:43 pm »

Friend went from a CJ Premier 350 to a 150.8 and absolutely loves the change/improvement across the board lows to highs.

ddark65 · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Mar 2017, 01:25 am »

I'm looking to power a pair of Joseph Audio
Pearl 3's either 150.8 or 250.8 still trying to
decide

JakeJ · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Mar 2017, 04:12 am »

Based on the efficiency rating I would opt for the X250.8 at a minimum. Perhaps even an X350.8.

I am a proud owner of a Pass Labs X350.5 fed by an XP-20 preamp from various sources including a Mac Mini or CEC TL-51X transport > Metrum HEX DAC, occasionally NPR via FM airwaves (I have a harem of tuners but am currently listening to a Sansui TU-717). Unfortunately I don't have a phono preamp at this time to use my SOTA Sapphire table outfitted with an SME M-2 9 arm and Dynavector 17D3 cartridge but I'll correct that after I move.

Just one audiophool's .02.

ddark65 · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Mar 2017, 04:21 am »

I'm using a Audio Research Ref 6
Totaldac Twelve , Antipodes DX
Pearl 3's

I was testing a pair of Nord monoblocks using
The sparko op amps and was really surprised
on the sound quality. The Pass Labs gear is up there
in price just want to make sure it's a good choice for
me

JakeJ · « **Reply #5 on:** 28 Mar 2017, 11:55 am »

Very nice. I am not familiar with the Pearls but they look beautiful and quite competent. I am listening to PMC EB1i's and the Pass is an excellent match.

Tubes feeding SS is a combo I personally have had good sound from.

If you are buying from a dealer you might ask to have an in home trial. Even if only for a few days.

ddark65 · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Apr 2017, 02:56 am »

I got the amp tonight letting it warm up to give it
a listen , sure is heavy had to lug in downstairs:)

Excuse the mess

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Apr 2017, 04:55 am »

Congrats on the amp. I own an X250 and am looking to upgrade to a 250.5. These amps sound their best after 30 to 60 minutes.

Enjoy!

JakeJ · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 12:54 am »

Congrats, ddark65! Looking forward to your impressions.

Personally I feel it takes a good 48 hours to fully stabilize and if your amp is brand new it will take further time to run in all the components. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

And you will want to leave it on all the time so it's always ready.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 03:57 am »

Quote from: JakeJ on 10 Apr 2017, 12:54 am

Congrats, ddark65! Looking forward to your impressions.

Personally I feel it takes a good 48 hours to fully stabilize and if your amp is brand new it will take further time to run in all the components. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

And you will want to leave it on all the time so it's always ready.

I would not recommend leaving it on all the time as it uses well over 200 watts when idling.

ddark65 · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 10:42 am »

I was wondering what's best , standby seems like the
way to go over leaving it on not like class D .

I slapped together a stand with wheels lifting this
amp is a bit hard on my old back

So far I'm pretty happy with the sound , I'm going
to give it some time then try my tube amps again to
compare . Also want to compare a Pass 30 Preamp
against the AR REF 6

JakeJ · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 12:20 pm »

Quote from: I.Greyhound Fan on 10 Apr 2017, 03:57 am

I would not recommend leaving it on all the time as it uses well over 200 watts when idling.

Each to thier own. I always leave SS gear on 24/7 so it sounds best the moment I start listening.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 03:50 pm »

The manual says that the 250.8 uses 450 watts at idle. That is a lot of power and you will see it on you electric bill. That is twice of what my X250 uses. When the amp is off, it is in standby mode. The difference between the sound at start up compared to 30 to 60 minutes later is subtle but noticeable. You just have this sense that the sound is better.

ddark65 · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 04:19 pm »

In standby it uses 1/4 of a watt , if I was to leave it on at 450 watts 24/7
that would really add up quick . I'd rather use the trigger and leave in standby
mode .

Freo-1 · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 04:37 pm »

I would concur with leaving it in standby when not in use. Heat is always the enemy of electronic equipment.

Congrats on your new amp! Always have been a big fan of Papa Pass and his gear. I've had a lot of his amps/preamps over the years, and always enjoyed them.

srb · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: Freo-1 on 10 Apr 2017, 04:37 pm

I would concur with leaving it in standby when not in use. Heat is always the enemy of electronic equipment.

Not to mention that the conspicuous consumption of an extra 7.2kW per day should be viewed as gluttonous and wasteful.

ddark65 · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 06:33 pm »

420 W 10.8 kw per day here if I let idle @ 11.98¢/kWh

srb · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 06:48 pm »

Quote from: ddark65 on 10 Apr 2017, 06:33 pm

420 W 10.8 kw per day here if I let idle @ 11.98¢/kWh

The 7.2kW calculation was for the 16 hours extra idling time beyond 8 hours estimated actual use.

ddark65 · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Apr 2017, 11:53 pm »

Gotcha , either way it adds up

RDavidson · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Apr 2017, 02:44 am »

Put it in standby after the 5 day break-in (constantly on) period. From then on, it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes for the circuit to thermally stabilize and sound its best. That's what the standby function is for. It keeps part of the circuit "warm" and ready to go. Just plan ahead and turn it on 30-60 minutes before serious listening. Pretty simple. If you ever turn the main power switch off (when you leave for vacation or whatever) it may take longer to warm everything back up, but an hour or two should do it. YMMV