FREE SHIPPING US orders over $99
International $399 & Up: Use "World20" To Save $20
FREE SHIPPING US orders over $99
International $399 & Up: Use "World20" To Save $20
X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier (Pair)
X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier (Pair)
260 watts @8ohms, pristine power and sound quality like no other More details
X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier (Pair)
X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier (Pair)
Questions?
Authorized Dealer
30 Day Returns
Free Shipping
Ships in the USA
Add To Cart
The Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier, a formidable powerhouse that sets the standard for monoblock amplification in the world of high-end audio. The X260.8 is a reference-level monoblock amplifier designed to deliver uncompromising sonic performance. With a robust Class A/B topology, each X260.8 amplifier is capable of delivering a substantial 260 watts of pure power into 8 ohms, ensuring dynamic and detailed sound reproduction. The symmetrical circuitry and premium components contribute to its exceptional clarity and accuracy, allowing the listener to experience music with unmatched realism. Equipped with balanced (XLR) inputs, large heat sinks, and a sophisticated power supply, the Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier represents the pinnacle of audio engineering, offering audiophiles and music enthusiasts an unparalleled listening experience.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: we recommend pairing the X260.8 stereo amplifier with our award-winning Bronze Dragon Interconnects. The Bronze Dragon Interconnect is one of our best-selling cables at Moon Audio. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. The Black Dragon Power Cable is also recommended to provide the cleanest and unbridled power to your high-end amplifier.
The Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier stands as a testament to the pinnacle of audio engineering, representing the culmination of decades of research, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. This is not merely an amplifier; it is a finely tuned musical instrument, designed to bridge the gap between the recorded performance and the listener with unprecedented fidelity and emotional impact. At the heart of the X260.8 lies a powerhouse capable of delivering a robust 260 watts into 8 ohms. However, this raw figure only hints at the amplifier's true capabilities. The X260.8 doubles its output to 4 ohms and continues to increase its power delivery into even lower impedances, ensuring that it can drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease and authority. This reserve of power translates into an effortless quality in music reproduction, where dynamic swings are handled with grace and impact, free from any sense of compression or strain.
The monoblock design of the X260.8 offers several critical advantages over stereo configurations. By dedicating an entire amplifier to each channel, the X260.8 eliminates any potential for inter-channel interference, resulting in improved channel separation and a more precise, stable soundstage. The dedicated power supply for each channel ensures that even the most demanding passages in one channel do not affect the performance of the other, preserving the integrity of the stereo image and enhancing the overall sense of realism. Pass Labs has long been renowned for its measured performance, and the X260.8 sets a new benchmark in this regard. Distortion figures are vanishingly low across the entire audible spectrum and well beyond, ensuring that the amplifier adds no coloration of its own to the signal. The bandwidth extends far beyond the limits of human hearing, contributing to a sense of effortless extension and air in the high frequencies. Noise levels are so low as to be practically non-existent, allowing for the emergence of micro-details and subtle ambient cues that might otherwise be lost.
One of the X260.8's most notable features is its implementation of Class A bias in a primarily Class A/B design. This "touch of Class A" provides the best of both worlds: the ineffable liquidity and harmonic richness associated with pure Class A operation, combined with the power and efficiency of Class A/B. The transition between these operating modes is seamless, ensuring that the listener remains unaware of any change in the amplifier's state, focused solely on the music. The sonic signature of the X260.8 is one of neutrality and transparency, but not at the expense of musicality. Bass reproduction is profound and articulate, with each note clearly delineated and free from overhang or bloat. The midrange, where much of music's emotional content resides, is rendered with exceptional clarity and presence. Voices and instruments possess a palpable realism, allowing listeners to connect with the performance on a deeply emotional level. High frequencies sparkle with air and extension, revealing the subtle harmonics and decays that breathe life into recordings.
Perhaps most impressive is the X260.8's ability to disappear as a component, leaving only the music. It possesses a chameleon-like quality, adapting to the demands of different musical genres with equal aplomb. From the delicate interplay of a chamber ensemble to the raw energy of a live rock performance, the X260.8 delivers each with the same level of engagement and emotional impact.
Physically, the X260.8 is a statement piece that exudes quality and craftsmanship. Its substantial chassis, adorned with massive heat sinks, speaks to the amplifier's power and capabilities. The minimalist front panel, featuring only a power switch and a subtle blue LED, reinforces Pass Labs' focus on performance over unnecessary adornments. Despite its power output, the X260.8 runs surprisingly cool, thanks to its efficient design and generous heat dissipation capabilities. For audiophiles and music lovers seeking the ultimate in monoblock amplification, the Pass Labs X260.8 represents a pinnacle achievement. It combines raw power with finesse, technical excellence with musical soul. This is an amplifier that doesn't just reproduce music; it recreates the entire musical event in your listening room, inviting you to explore your record collection with fresh ears and a renewed sense of wonder.
The X260.8 challenges listeners to rediscover their favorite recordings, to hear familiar tracks as if for the first time, and to embark on new musical journeys with an insatiable curiosity. It reveals layers of detail and nuance that may have gone unnoticed, presenting them in a coherent, musical manner that draws the listener deeper into the heart of the performance. In a world where hyperbole is often overused, the Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier stands as a genuine game-changer. It sets a new standard for what is possible in high-end audio reproduction, promising countless hours of musical bliss and emotional connection to cherished recordings. For those who demand the very best and refuse to compromise in their pursuit of audio nirvana, the X260.8 offers a path to transcendent musical experiences, one glorious note at a time.
Pass Labs and First Watt were founded by hi-fi legend Nelson Pass. After co-founding and later selling Threshold Audio, Pass began working out of his Auburn, California, home in the early 1990s to develop prototypes of single-ended Class A amplifier designs under the name Pass Labs. Pass Labs quickly became known for its commercially produced Aleph, X, and XA Series amps, and preamps. Pass later started First Watt as a passion project focusing on low-power amps for a niche audiophile audience. Today, Pass splits his time between the two companies, with production happening in Pass Labs' facility in Foresthill, California, USA. Some of Pass Lab’s most notable products include the HPA-1 Headphone Amplifier, their integrated amp series (featuring the Pass Labs INT-25, Pass Labs INT-60, and the Pass Labs INT-250), the Pass Labs XA25, and more. If you’re looking for a monoblock amplifier, stereo amplifier, integrated amplifier, or headphone amplifier, then Pass Labs has everything you need for your high-end audio. Visit passlabs.com for more info.
What is the power output of the Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier?
The Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier delivers 260 Watts into 8 ohms and 520 Watts into 4 ohms. These robust power outputs, combined with its Class A/AB operation, provide ample headroom and dynamic capability for driving a wide range of speakers. The X260.8 is designed to deliver exceptional clarity and control, even with demanding speaker loads.
What are the key features of the Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier?
The Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier is packed with features designed for audiophiles seeking uncompromising sound quality. It features a fully balanced input stage and a robust, high-current output stage for low distortion and musicality. The X260.8 includes Pass Labs' proprietary Super-Symmetry circuitry for improved performance, along with a precision volume control for accurate level adjustments. Each X260.8 unit is a standalone monoblock amplifier, providing maximum isolation and power delivery for each channel.
Can the Pass Labs X260.8 drive even the most demanding or low-impedance speakers?
Yes, the Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier is designed to handle a wide range of speakers, including those with demanding loads or low impedances. With its 260 Watts into 8 ohms (520 Watts into 4 ohms), the X260.8 has the power and control to drive virtually any speaker with ease. Its Class A/AB operation ensures stability and clarity, delivering a detailed and dynamic soundstage even with challenging speaker designs.
Does the Pass Labs X260.8 require any special considerations for setup or maintenance?
The Pass Labs X260.8 Monoblock Amplifier is designed for straightforward setup and operation. It does not require bias adjustments, as it is a self-biasing Class A/AB design. However, users should ensure proper ventilation for optimal performance, as higher-powered amplifiers can generate heat. Adequate ventilation will help maintain the amplifier's performance and longevity. Additionally, it is recommended to provide sufficient space around each X260.8 unit for airflow and to follow Pass Labs' guidelines for safe and optimal operation.
Who is Nelson Pass?
Nelson Pass, the man behind Pass Labs and First Watt, has been designing and building amplifiers for decades. His early passion, however, was speakers; at age 14, he started assembling loudspeakers. As a college student studying physics at the University of California-Davis, he co-founded a speaker company called PMA. He also worked for ESS, where he designed crossovers and enclosures. After college, with his interest having shifted toward amplifiers, Pass co-founded Threshold Electronics (now Threshold Audio). His achievements during the Threshold years include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit; developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier; and developing the STASIS stereo preamplifier and power amplifier. During the 1980s, Pass designed the Adcom GFA-555 amplifier. Later, after selling Threshold, he started Pass Labs in 1991 and First Watt in 1997. Pass holds several patents related to audio circuits.
How did Pass Labs make its name?
Pass Labs helped popularize solid-state, Class A power amplifiers. Pass Labs' first product, the Aleph 0 amplifier, operated as a single-ended Class A up to its 70-watt rating and in push-pull Class A at higher wattage. The Aleph series of amplifiers, some of the first solid-state amps that were said to be "tube-like" in sound, operated pure class A and contained internal circuitry using MOSFETs. The Aleph amplifiers had a unique appearance, a cube with heat sinks on all four sides, a solution to the heat generated by the class-A design. This can be attributed primarily to the specific MOSFETs used and the minimum number of gain stages that were implemented in the design. Pass Labs also developed the Super-Symmetry™ ("Su-Sy") circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. In 1998, Pass Labs released the X1000, the first amplifier using the patented SuperSymmetric™ topology. The X1000 achieved 1000 watts with high performance, local feedback, and only two gain stages: a cascaded differential pair of transistors and a large bank of complementary output followers. This groundbreaking design informed all subsequent Pass Labs amplifiers.
What else does Pass Labs make?
In 2002, Pass Labs unveiled the first XA amplifiers, combining the X and Aleph topologies into balanced single-ended Class A amplifiers with many of the characteristics of both the X and Aleph series. The current Pass Labs lineup includes Class A amps (XA and Xs Series), Class AB amps (.8 Series), line preamps (Xs and XP Series), phono preamps (Xs and XP Series), integrated amps (INT Series), and one headphone amp.
What is the relationship between Pass Labs and First Watt?
When he started Pass Labs, Pass did everything out of his home. In 1997, having outgrown the space, Pass Labs moved into commercial space in Foresthill, California. When Pass started First Watt, it was a "kitchen table" venture, with work once again happening in his home. In 2016, with production demands not leaving him enough time to pursue the vast array of yet-to-be-designed amps, Nelson handed the business end of First Watt over to Pass Labs. Pass Labs took over the building of First Watt amplifiers as well as marketing and distribution. There's a synergy between the two operations, in that Pass Labs gets to gather up some of the more interesting First Watt finds and repurpose them as more commercially viable designs. Today, Pass splits his time between First Watt and Pass Laboratories.
| Class | AB |
|---|---|
| Type | Mono |
| Gain (dB) | 26 |
| Full Pwr @ 26 dB gain (V) | 2.2 |
| Low Frequency Response | 1.5 Hz |
| High Frequency Response | 100 KHz |
| Power Output /ch (8 ohm) | 260 |
| Input Impedance (SE & BAL Kohms) | 50/100 |
| Damping Factor | 150 |
| Power Consumption @ Idle (Watts) | 370 |
| Unit Dimension (W x D x H)(In.) | 19 x 21.25 x 7.5 |
| Unit Weight (LBS) | 100 |
