Pass Labs INT-250 integrated

[1morerecord2clean]

I'm curious if anyone owns the Pass Labs INT-250 integrated amp and how they feel about its performance. Please include the speakers you are using. If you were using a separate preamp and amp prior to the Pass, did you feel that your system remained as good with separates or if you took a step backward.

Thanks!

[Hugh]

Are you using Pass separates currently?

[1morerecord2clean]

Are you using Pass separates currently?

No Hugh. Currently Hovland HP-100 and Threshold T-200. That's the Threshold after Nelson Pass.

[Hugh]

No Hugh. Currently Hovland HP-100 and Threshold T-200. That's the Threshold after Nelson Pass.

l

I see.

I am not sure about the current offerings from Pass but, personally, I found their older models a little dry for my taste.
We have had a few customers who sold their Pass Pre & Monos and got our Melody Integrated, be it AN300B or AN211 or AN845.
Case in point: http://hometheaterreview.com/melody-...fier-reviewed/

[JCOConnell]

what is the INT-250? a 125WPC stereo class A/B integrated amp?

[1morerecord2clean]

what is the INT-250? a 125WPC stereo class A/B integrated amp?

It's the latest in their .8 series integrated 250w channel. Neil Gader gave it a fantastic review this month.

[JCOConnell]

250WPC? Ive never heard of that much power in an integrated. It's usually not done because of all the heat affecting the preamp section.

[JCOConnell]

It's the latest in their .8 series integrated 250w channel. Neil Gader gave it a fantastic review this month.

does he write for a magazine, and if so, which one?

[1morerecord2clean]

does he write for a magazine, and if so, which one?

TAS. Pass Labs has been around a very long time. This is a SS design, no tubes. It only runs class A for the first 15w than goes to B for cooler operation.

[JCOConnell]

I don't care how long Pass has been around, if I planned to get any power out of that 250 wpc amp, I want it as a separate, not an integrated for heat reasons alone. Even SS amps can get hot when pushed a little. Plus an AB amp that runs warm or hot with no signal is generally biased more into class A which is good. Even if warm doesn't affect performance of the preamp section, higher tempertures mean shorter lifetimes of the circuit components.

[MylesBAstor]

does he write for a magazine, and if so, which one?

Neil is a long time contributor to TAS and a good reviewer .

[Hugh]

I don't care how long Pass has been around, if I planned to get any power out of that 250 wpc amp, I want it as a separate, not an integrated for heat reasons alone. Even SS amps can get hot when pushed a little. Plus an AB amp that runs warm or hot with no signal is generally biased more into class A which is good. Even if warm doesn't affect performance of the preamp section, higher tempertures mean shorter lifetimes of the circuit components.

Valid point.

On the other hand, just may be, they have a better way to dissipate heat more efficient?
I just don't know.

[JCOConnell]

Valid point.

On the other hand, just may be, they have a better way to dissipate heat more efficient?
I just don't know.

It looks like they have kept heat down two ways. 1. Less class A bias (only 15W) 2. Massive massive heat sinks (unit weighs 105 lbs). I don't like either solution. For a 500W amp, I would rather go with separates.

[1morerecord2clean]

Neil is a long time contributor to TAS and a good reviewer .

I have always thought so Myles. Actually he and I thru serendipity ended up in the lobby of the Flamingo at CES two years running at the same time last day. We stopped and chatted for a good half hour both times and spoke about our favorite rooms. Very down to earth and forthcoming era on I thought.

[Hugh]

It looks like they have kept heat down two ways. 1. Less class A bias (only 15W) 2. Massive massive heat sinks (unit weighs 105 lbs). I don't like either solution. For a 500W amp, I would rather go with separates.

I am with you on this.

On the other hand, I can also see a need for these with people where space is at a premium.