Pass Labs X1 - Manual (Page 2)

2 X1 Owner’s Manual
The X1 is an ultra high quality minimalist audio preamplifier that
features a remote control and external power supply. It combines
a completely new circuit topology with traditional construction
representing thirty five years of amplifier 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 X1
integrates power MOSFET and JFET devices in a simple Class A
topology in order to deliver the finest sound possible.
The patent-pending 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 X1 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 X1 employs a new type of volume control that offers an order
of magnitude better performance than seen before in an electronic
control. It provides over 60 dB of range, large voltage swing and
very good measured performance. Most importantly it is subjectively
outstanding; better than any potentiometer we know of. We are
justifiably proud of this new device, which is registered as having a
patent pending.
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