2. amps-preamps
  3. 1280667741

Pass Labs 150.5 suitable?

Hello,

I am currently looking into getting new amplifiers.

Currently I have Odyssey Kismet monoblocks, and while they sound pretty good, I'm not completely happy.

At first I considered tube amplification, but read a lot about dynamics and control sometimes suffering ever so slightly in the 4-6K price range; so I am considering the Pass Labs 150.5.

I have GR Research Line Sources and they are about 90 DBS/1Watt and 8 OHMS of a benign load.

The Odysseys have around the same watt rating, but they destroy the Pass labs in current (60 versus 18), so I am afraid I won't get enough power out of the Pass.

I am looking for something with good control and bass, but just with a little more naturalness.

Any opinions? a
kingdeezie
auxetophone
114 posts
 
I believe Pass Labs volt and amp specifications are specified as peak-to-peak, vs. some kind of short-term average power level.

So 50 volts p-p corresponds to 35.36 volts RMS, giving an "RMS" power rating of 156.25, so it's less a matter of design margin, etc. than just a different type of specification.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Good point, Auxetophone -- thanks. I suspect that what you are saying is correct, now that I think of it (except that I think you meant to say "peak" when you wrote "peak-to-peak" or "p-p").

So my reference to 2592 watts as being the limitation that current capability would impose on power delivery, were it not for voltage swing limitations, becomes:
(18 x 0.707) x (18 x 0.707) x 8 = 1296 watts.

So the basic conclusion that the X150.5's current capability should be sufficient for the described speaker load remains as stated.

Best regards,
-- Al
auxetophone
114 posts
 
I agree that the X150.5 should have enough current - and yes, I did mean "peak" and not "peak-to-peak", which would have been 100V.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
Boy, someone kept awake during high school physics class.You guys sure know your electrical engineering!
More to discover