2. amps-preamps
  3. 136120-97064

Pass labs X250.5 cracking noise

Hi all, recently bought a used X250.5 from a dealer on audiogon. Really happy with the SQ. The amp makes a crackling noise after powering down. Its a few cracks/pops - very intermittent and then it subsides. Spoke with Pass engineer and he assured me that the noise was coming from thermal contraction of heat sinks etc after normal operation. This weekend I noticed that the amp made cracking noise during warm up too. Again this is one or two and then after the amp warms up - i dont hear any more pops. Or i guess the sound from speaker masks it perhaps? I did pause music and noticed the amp for about 30 minutes and no cracking/popping noise during that period. Anything I should be worried about? I'll call Pass again this week - but wanted to see if there were any thoughts?
pistha
instlouis's avatar
instlouis
91 posts
 
My 250.5's always seem to "clink" when going from standby . Under normal listening 65-72db they will get to 53C ( 127F) . Putting them back into standby after a good session they will " clink" again once as they cool down. I have always thought it was heatsink expansion/contraction.  It's never been a concern. 

@mickeyb - Pass Labs does NOT feed anyone BS.  Nelson Pass would never allow it. They listen and respond professionally and always have which is why theirs and many high end equipment manufacturers maintain their users respect and loyalty. 

Shad
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Yep, mine did this too.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,486 posts
 
I owned the X350.5 and X350.8 and both exhibited the cracking sound as you described. Too me it was more of a clink sound.
Its normal because the high heat that these units generate causes the metal casing / heatsinks to expand and contract. 

ozzy
fabio3181
5 posts
 
i have recently bought a pass labs xp.30: connected to 2 different amps i hear a crackling noise from the right speaker. Either on warm up or also later. Then it may totally disappear, but when i thought it was gone (i made some more order in the cables) today i heard it again. When on muting of course the noise cant be heard.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@fabio3181 I would just contact Pass directly. They're great even if you bought decide hand and will help you diagnose and fix. 

Not that I think you need another source for fixing, but the community at https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/ is also super knowledge and helpful.
More to discover