Pass Labs · XA Series
$7,865
On demonstration in our Portland showroom
Pass Labs · XA Series
The Class A stereo amplifier of the .8 series: rated at 30 watts per channel, but with 40 output MOSFETs per channel and a power supply that Hi-Fi News measured at 94 watts into 8 ohms.
Rated 30 W per channel in Class A; the rating describes the Class A envelope, not the amplifier's limit.
Authorized Pass Labs dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
Pass Labs rates the XA30.8 at 30 W per channel, and the number describes how far the amplifier runs in pure Class A rather than where it stops. Behind the front-panel meter are 40 high-biased power MOSFETs per channel, the same heatsinks as the larger .8 amplifiers and a power supply that draws 370 W at idle. Hi-Fi News's lab measured 94 W into 8 Ω and 156 W into 4 Ω before clipping, with distortion rising slightly at about 45 W where the amplifier leaves Class A; its reviewer described bass that digs deep with relish and a wide, deep soundstage on orchestral and live recordings.
The .8 series circuit is a balanced, two-stage design: a JFET and MOSFET front end with constant-current sourcing and precise voltage references, followed by the heavily paralleled output stage. Gain is 26 dB, input impedance 50 kΩ single-ended and 100 kΩ balanced, and the damping factor 150. The XA30.8 warms up for about an hour before it sounds its best and runs hot to the touch, which is the cost of the bias.
The XA30.8 is the amplifier for a listener who wants the Class A sound of the XA monos in a single chassis and has loudspeakers that do not need the power of an X-series amplifier. It partners the XP-12 or XP-22. For more Class A power the XA60.8 monos use the same chassis, one per channel.
Silver is the standard finish shown. Black is available to order at additional cost; ask us for a quote.
| Type | Stereo power amplifier |
| Class of operation | Class A to rated power, then Class AB |
| Power output (8 Ω) | 30 W per channel (Class A rating) |
| Power output (4 Ω) | Not published by Pass Labs; Hi-Fi News measured 156 W into 4 Ω |
| Gain | 26 dB |
| Input for full power (26 dB gain) | 0.77 V |
| Frequency response | 1.5 Hz – 100 kHz (Pass Labs spec) |
| Input impedance | 50 kΩ single-ended; 100 kΩ balanced |
| Damping factor | 150 |
| Output devices | 40 per channel |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA |
| Outputs | Speaker binding posts |
| Power consumption at idle | 370 W |
| Standby power | Less than 1 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 19 × 21.25 × 7.5 in |
| Weight | 88 lb |
| Sold as | Single stereo amplifier |
The Class A stereo amplifier of the .8 series.
Plan your Pass Labs system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Pass Labs dealer. Arrange an audition in our Portland showroom and we will help with loudspeaker matching, delivery and setup. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the XA-30.8 Stereo Amplifier by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
