2. amps-preamps
  3. 1267565769

Pass labs X350.5 jumpers and Power cables

I just picked up a Pass labs X350.5. Aside from an annoying ground loop I left left to figure out it sounds very nice.

The Pass Labs web site appears to be down. I've tried all morning to ask this question.

I want to try some single ended cables I have but read somewhere that I would need jumpers of some sort, I'm assuming, on the input side of the balanced connections. Was this amp supposed to come with jumpers?

This was a buy gone miserable. The was supposed to be nearly new, not even broken in. Upon receiving this amp I noted a lot of scuff marks, a few scratches and considerable dirt and dust. Not exactly an 9/10! I digress.

I noted substantial differences rotating power cables. Is there a general rule of power cable when it comes to this amp?

Thanks!
128x128desalvo55
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,467 posts
 
Dont use the balanced outs to a subwoofer.

I am using the RCA outs from my Preamp to the Fathom F113's . The Balanced outs go to my Pass Labs Amp.
You really should try this.
Actually, the Balanced is a ittle louder than the single ended and does IMHO provide a more fuller sound.
The Fathom F113's can always be turned up if need be.
desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
257 posts
 
Ozzy, it's the setup I have now. JL Audio greatly prefers balanced and now it seems Pass prefers balanced as well. Well, Pass wins.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Desalvo55 - I'm sure you can get a new face plate (or just the handles - depending on what is scratched) from Pass Labs. Replacing them is not difficoult at all. If the amp was rated 9/10 cosmetic coindition, I would seek compensation from the seller.

Overstating the cosmetic condition is becaming a norm on AgoN lately - unfortunately.
desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
257 posts
 
I called Pass yesterday regarding the cost of the faceplates. Easy to replace I'm sure but at what cost. I need to more aware of feedback score when there is none. Told that this amp wasn't even broken in and looking like it's been around for a long long time leaves tuning somewhat difficult. If I'm selling this amp it's a 7/10.

I tried Steve Vai "Fire garden" last night as well as Steve Winwood "Nine Lives". What I find is a suprising amount of "hardness" in the treble for lack of better term. Sound didn't seem balanced especially if I attempted higher volumes. Switching to Neil Young "Chrome Dreams II" yielded much better results. This is balanced out from my Cary. Haven't tried tube rolling yet as I like to start with power cables then interconnects. I only have 1 set of balanced cables which worked wonders with my Nuforces but this is a far different animal.

No doubt Shunyata is the popular choice for power. What about interconnects?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Easy to replace I'm sure but at what cost.

Are you sure you need a complete faceplate ? The 'faceplate' consists of 3 separate parts - the actual faceplate, left 'handle' and right 'handle'. Maybe it is enough to replace just one of them, or both - they cover almost 2/3 of the faceplate. Take a closer look.
More to discover