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X1 Owner’s Manual

The preamplifier main chassis / control unit has four sets of  input 
connections, both single-ended and balanced output connections, a 
tape loop and a full function remote control that mirrors the front 
panel functions.

The main chassis also has a DB-25 connector that connects to the 
remote power supply and a single pair of  5-way binding posts that 
are used for remote amplifier turn-on. The preamplifier’s voltage 
and current rating are indicated on the bottom of  the power supply.  
It will be either 240 volts,  220 volt,  120 volts, or 100 volts.  A 0.5 
amp 3AG slow blow fuse is provided with 100-120 volt units, and a 
0.25 amp slow blow fuse is provided with 220-240 volt units.  The 
frequency rating of  the power supply in all cases is 50 to 60 Hz.  The 
preamplifier typically draws 30 watts during operation. Please verify 
that the pre-amplifier’s indicated voltage requirements are consistent 
with the voltage available at your location, prior to operation.

The main preamplifier chassis is connected to the power supply 
with a custom shielded cable that carries both the analog and digital 
power. Please note this power cable must be installed before 
the preamp is powered up. 
The power cable plugs, into and then 
screws into, the rear panel of  the main chassis and the power supply.  
The connectors are a tight fit but should never need to be forced. 
The X1 will function with either DB-25 on the power-supply chassis.  
The additional DB-25 is for future performance enhancements.

We have provided a standard AC power cord that fits into the 
IEC line receptacle at the right rear of  the power supply chassis.  The 
preamplifier is equipped for operation with an earth ground which 
is provided by the  user’s AC outlet.  Never defeat this ground, its 
use will not adversely affect the performance of  this product.  The 
chassis and circuit ground of  the preamplifier are connected to earth 
through a power thermistor, which gives a ground connection for 
safety but helps avoid  troublesome ground loops.

The X1 has a total of  four inputs and a separate tape loop.  Two 
of  the four inputs (Input numbers 1 & 2) can be used single-ended 
or balanced.  The other two inputs (inputs 3 & 4) are single-ended 
only.  The tape loop has both single-ended and balanced inputs 
and outputs.  Balanced inputs and outputs are via XLR connectors.  
Single-ended inputs and outputs are via RCA connectors.  On the 
XLR connectors, pin 1 is grounded, pin 2 is the positive signal, and 
pin 3 is the negative signal. Left channel RCA connectors are marked 
with white spacers.  Right channel RCA connectors are marked with 
a red spacers.  Balanced XLR inputs and outputs are marked with 
“L” for left and “R” for right channel. 

Setup

Summary of Contents for X1

Page 1: ...1 X1 Owner s Manual pass TM X1 Owner s Manual Aug 10 2006 ...

Page 2: ...inimizes 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 6...

Page 3: ... the rear panel of the main chassis and the power supply The connectors are a tight fit but should never need to be forced The X1 will function with either DB 25 on the power supply chassis The additional DB 25 is for future performance enhancements We have provided a standard AC power cord that fits into the IEC line receptacle at the right rear of the power supply chassis The preamplifier is equ...

Page 4: ...have arranged that it will not place its output on the tape out which will prevent you from accidentally creating a feedback connection with your tape machine The main outputs are located at the left hand side viewed from the rear of the rear panel two male XLR connectors and two RCA connectors R right and L left The RCA connectors ground is in parallel with pin 1 of the XLR outputs and the RCA ho...

Page 5: ...ed it allows the user to switch a nominal 12 volts DC at maximum draw of 50 milliamps to these binding posts In some instances this voltage may have the ability to control products from other manufacturers but we by no means have a comprehensive listing of their compatible features If you have questions about compatibility your service technician and dealer are an excellent source of information I...

Page 6: ...eme virtual right of the mode selection is the function labeled gain This control allows you the user to adjust the gain of the X1 to extract the best possible performance out of a variety of source components of different manufacturers The Low Gain setting allows for 4 dB of gain from the X1 and the Hi Gain allows for 14 dB of gain The 10 dB difference between these two settings require that you ...

Page 7: ...and a minimum number of components is a key element The fewer parts in series with the signal path the better Adding more parts and gain stages may improve measured specs but will seldom improve the perceived sonic quality 2 The characteristic of gain devices and their specific use is important Individual variations in performance between like devices are important as are differences in topologica...

Page 8: ... repeatable and accurately controlled The micro processor only controls the functions of the preamplifier At no time does any of the input or output signal come into contact with the digital control signals The digital circuits are powered by a power supply that is completely separate from the analog supply Should it ever be necessary to update the software that controls the functioning of the pre...

Page 9: ...about 10 hours of turn on The omission of a power switch is intentional The X1 consists of two full size aluminum chassis Both chassis are machined from solid aluminum stock by computer controlled milling machines There are no stamped or sheetmetal products in this product One of the full size chassis houses the control functions active elements and display The second chassis houses the power supp...

Page 10: ...ms balanced Input Impedance 33 kOhm unbalanced 66 kOhm balanced CMRR typical 55 dB 1KHz Crosstalk typical 85 dB 1KHz Output Noise floor 125 dBV 20Hz 20 KHz External amp turn on 12 volts DC 50 mA Power Consumption 35 watts Dimensions chassis 17 W x 11 5 D x 3 5 H each Shipping Weight 46 pounds in packing carton X1 Specifications Pass pass Pass Labs Pass Laboratories Supersymmetery Aleph and Zen and...

Page 11: ...of origin for warrantee service Foreign distributors are only required to offer warranty service on Pass Laboratories product that they have imported Please note Conditions of warranty service and customer rights for product purchased outside the United States may vary depending upon the distribu tor and local laws Please check with your local distributor for specific rights and details Any modifi...

Page 12: ...one that is fully safety rated by the necessary local authority Power Cord Protection Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on abraded or pinched by items placed on or against them paying particular attention to cords where they enter plugs or exit from a device Never under any circumstance insert a cut or damaged power cord into a mains power socket Power an...

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