Pass Labs X2.2 - Manual (Page 2)

2 X2.2 Owner’s Manual
The X2.2 is an ultra high quality non-remote linestage audio
preamplifier with internal power supply. It combines a completely
new circuit topology with traditional construction representing thirty
five years of preamplifier design.
This preamplifier flows from a commitment to create the best
sounding product: a simple circuit with the most natural sonic
characteristics. Derived from US Patent # 5,376,899, the X2.2
integrates power MOSFET and JFET devices in a simple Class A
topology in order to deliver the finest sound possible.
The Super-Symmetric gain circuitry is unique in providing superior
flexibility and performance with both balanced and unbalanced
inputs and outputs, converting one to the other as desired without
extra circuitry and without performance degradation.
The X2.2 minimizes the number of components in the signal path,
and yet retains exemplary objective performance specifications. It
pushes the edge of the art in exploring how much subjective quality
is obtainable with a new but very elementary gain stage.
The X2.2 employs a patented new type of volume control that offers
significantly better performance than seen before in an electronic
control. It provides over 60 dB of range, large voltage swing and
very good measured performance. The distortion and noise is at
1/10 and the dynamic range 100 times the previous state of the art
in active attenuation. Most importantly it is subjectively outstanding;
better than any potentiometer we have evaluated.
The X2.2 may be factory upgraded to the X2.5 which will convey
several operational functions and remote control which are absent
from the X2.2. The upgrade will also change the front panel display
to the more informative vacuum fluorescent alpha-numeric display.
Very few people are involved in the production of this product. I
supervise all phases of the construction, and I test each preamplifier
myself. If you have questions, comments, or problems, please feel
free to contact me directly.
Thank you for purchasing this preamplifier. It is my sincere hope
that you will enjoy its sound as much as I do.
Wayne Colburn
Vice President, Design
Introduction