Pass Labs XA200.5 Manual Do Utilizador

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XA200.5 Owner’s Manual
We start with simple FET circuits already having low distortion and 
noise, and arrange them in two symmetrical halves.  The two halves 
of  the amplifier channel are closely matched, eliminating a large 
portion of  distortion and noise without feedback.  A small amount 
of  feedback is also applied, not so much for the purpose of  reducing 
distortion but to make the distortion as identical as possible on both 
polarities of  the balanced output.
It is easier to make distortions more identical than to remove them 
with feedback, and this is the operating principle of  X amplifiers.
Since the X1000, Pass Labs products have continuously evolved 
toward higher performance.  The Class AB “X” series was joined 
by the Class A “XA” amplifiers.  Subsequent improvements to the 
Class AB “X” amplifiers resulted in the “X.5” products, and their 
phenomenal success has led to the Class A “XA.5” series.
As always the goal has been the best musical and objective 
performance possible with minimal parts in the signal path and 
minimal feedback.  This process is not completely understood, and 
many of  the improvements are the result of  trial and error and 
extensive listening.  
Measurement of  performance is important to us, and we feel that 
well-designed product sounds good and measures good.  Apparently 
it is possible to make an amplifier which measures well but which 
does not please the ears, and so we let our ears be the final judge.
X.5 and XA.5 amplifiers utilize the same basic circuit topology 
and gain devices.  They differ in the sizes of  the power supplies, 
the chassis and heat sinks, and the number of  output devices.  The 
output stages of  the X.5 series are operated in heavily biased Class 
AB, with an idling dissipation similar to the rated output.  The XA 
amplifiers operate pure Class A with idling dissipation more than 
twice the rated output.  
Within any given chassis size, the X and XA amplifiers are designed 
to dissipate about the same power, and it is not surprising that this 
leads to two channel amplifiers with half  the output power per 
channel of  comparable mono amplifiers, and Class A amplifiers with 
half  the output of  Class AB amplifiers.  
The X amplifiers deliver more output power per dollar, and the XA 
amplifiers have a better subjective performance.  All of  the amplifiers 
drive known loudspeaker loads without misbehaving, and all are 
unconditionally stable into low impedance and reactive loads.