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Suggestions for testing a never installed, 20-year boxed amp.

I have a new Pass Labs X5 power amp that has never been installed (boxed up for over 20 years). I'm looking for suggestions about powering this unit up. I'm concerned about connecting it up to my current speakers the first time I power it up. Should let it cook while connected to some load resistors? Should I leave the inputs unconnected or loaded? 

philliprcook
philliprcook OP
12 posts
 

Thanks. I appreciate your advice. 

ibmjunkman's avatar
ibmjunkman
244 posts
 

Before I powered up my long dormant Pioneer SX-1050 I found a current limiting device on eBay. It used a light bulb to someone limit current. It powered up OK. I then used a multimeter to check for DC on the speaker terminals. Luckily there was none. 

larryi
3,983 posts
 

Yes, good advice about checking for DC with a multimeter.  Unlike a tube amp with output transformers, some solid state amps can pass DC.

jimmyblues
56 posts
 

I’d contact Pass Labs. They may tell you to run the amplifier through a variac in order to allow the capacitors to reform safely. Best of luck. 👍

61falcon's avatar
61falcon
113 posts
 

Just curious: How did you end up coming upon an unused for 20 years boxed up amplifier?

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