Pass Labs X250.8 Power Amplifier

Always Stay in Control with the Pass Labs X250.8: U.S.A.-Built 250Wpc Power Amplifier Plays with Uncanny Naturalism and Clarity, Effortlessly Handles Dynamic Peaks 

Forget about middle child syndrome. The 250Wpc X250.8 may be in the middle of Pass Labs’ X-Series’ stereo lineup, but this 100-pound fully balanced power amplifier makes no compromises in sound quality. Devised by renowned engineer Nelson Pass, it features the same level of mechanical and electronic excellence found in the company’s $100,000/pair XS300 monoblocks.

Unlike many manufacturers, Pass Labs builds each of its amplifiers to a specific design brief. Every model is carefully fine-tuned to Mr. Pass’ vision. In other words, the design is not “just add more power to the house sound.” Each model is optimized for the required parameters — and hand-built in Pass Labs’ California facility with an assembly time of between eight and 10 weeks.

Pass Labs’ .8 Series amplifiers build on everything learned from the prior .5 Series. For starters, everything is more refined. Though officially a Class AB amplifier, X250.8 (like all Pass Labs AB amplifiers) is heavily biased into Class A mode. The upshot: At lower power, it delivers the sonic attributes of Pass Labs’ Class A amplifiers, and it has the reserve power to effortlessly achieve the loudest musical peaks.

The measured specifications tell a similar story. Ruler-flat frequency response from 1.5Hz to 100kHz means your music will be reproduced with the utmost in clarity. A damping factor of 150 assures tight, tuneful control over the lower registers. And meticulous component selection delivers highs and midrange so natural, you might swear you’re listening to tubes. One thing you won’t hear is noise. X250.8 has an ultra-low noise floor. 

Visually, X250.8 personifies the perfectionist mentality with which Pass Labs approaches its components. The big, round, blue meter in the center is not an output level meter, but an indication of bias current being delivered. Most listening sessions will not make it budge past the 10 o’clock position. X250.8 also touts a robust, machined aluminum front panel nearly an inch thick. This contributes to controlling vibration and makes for a stylish touch. On the rear panel, an RCA input and balanced XLR input means you can combine it with the preamplifier of your choice. Of course, the ideal match is with a Pass Labs preamplifier.

With massive heat sinks on each side of the chassis and banks of output transistors to help deliver the sonic goods, X250.8 requires adequate airflow in terms of placement. The only other thing you need? A shelf that can hold 100 pounds. Our staff can help you with that, too. Just give us a call at 312-433-0200 to chat.

"There really is not anything I can fault with the X250.8 as it satisfied me on so many levels and exceeded my expectations on others. What more can be said, audition this if you get a chance and do not be surprised if you wind up buying the X250.8, even if you are a tube enthusiast like myself."
— Anthony Nicosia, Enjoy the Music

"It’s got seemingly unlimited power reserves, coupled with grace, passion, and nimbleness. It throws a huge soundstage, both deep and wide, and places plenty of air around instruments and vocalists."
— Part-Time Audiophile

"The Pass Labs X250.8 is a serious and masterful instrument, superbly engineered, reflecting the pedigree of its namesake with great aplomb, delivering a presentation that is powerful and immensely sensitive, and true to its source."
— Positive Feedback

"Clarity and accuracy with the Pass Labs X250.8 in my system were both outstanding. In total, I was very impressed with the sonics in my listening room with this amplifier at the helm."
— Paul Wilson, Future Audiophile