BRAND: Pass Labs
SERIES: XA160.8 Power amplifiers
TYPE: Power Amplifier
TYPE: Power Amplifier
The first product, the Aleph 0, shipped in 1992. It was a mono-block design rated at 70 watts into 8 ohms, and was unique in using three gain stages of power Mosfets including a push-pull output stage biased by a big constant current source. The amplifier operated as single-ended Class A up to its 70 watt rating and in push pull Class A at higher wattage. The amplifier was highly acclaimed, and was called the “Amplifier of the Decade” in Stereophile magazine.
At this time, Nelson hired his next-door neighbor, Elena Tong, to help with producing the amplifiers, and she manages much of the company to this day.
A stereo version called the Aleph 0s followed after, along with a preamp called the Aleph P. A larger version of the Aleph 0 called the Aleph 1 shipped the following year, and was a mono-block rated at 150 watts.
OVERVIEW
More of just about everything: 72 output power-MOSFETs, higher input impedance, higher capacity power supply and the ability to deliver over 320 watts per channel in class A with greater dampening. The 160.8’s deliver power and finesse in spades. Voices take on shape and depth, piano notes arrive with full acoustic integrity and the rest of the rhythm section is delivered with both powerful attack and holographic sustain. The effortless conveyance of musicality and realism must be heard to be believed.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Class
A
Type
Mono
Gain (dB)
26
Full Pwr @ 26 dB gain (V)
1.79
Low Frequency Response
1.5 Hz
High Frequency Response
100 KHz
Power Output /ch (8 ohm)
160
Distortion (1 KHz, full power)
1%
Input Impedance (SE & BAL Kohms)
50/100
Damping Factor
200
Output Noise (uV)
200
Current Draw @ Idle (Amps)
4.8
Power Consumption (Watts)
580
Temperature (deg C.)
53
Number of Chassis
1
Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) (In.)
19 x 21.5 x 11
Unit Weight (LBS)
123
