Pass INT-60 Review

**Mike** · June 17, 2015, 11:55 AM

Pass Laboratories INT-60 Integrated Amplifier

**jdandy** · June 17, 2015, 03:52 PM

Mike.......Sort of looks like a Bryston with a meter. I think Nelson could have spent a bit more time with the aesthetics.

**rbbert** · June 17, 2015, 08:22 PM

I've decided to try the INT60 next week (this week turned out to be too busy). I'll have to read this review!

**rbbert** · June 17, 2015, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Double-D

Mike.......Sort of looks like a Bryston with a meter. I think Nelson could have spent a bit more time with the aesthetics.

I think Desmond finalizes all the Pass Labs designs these days (and does most of the other design work too?)

**jdandy** · June 17, 2015, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by rbbert

I think Desmond finalizes all the Pass Labs designs these days (and does most of the other design work too?)

Rob.......I'll be watching for your listening comments if you bring one home.

**jaxwired** · June 17, 2015, 11:16 PM

Great read. Thanks mike.

**a.wayne** · June 18, 2015, 01:30 AM

Nice unit .........

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 01:29 PM

A+

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 01:36 PM

I'm not sure if my postings are going thru, so I'll try again. I own a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento Speakers. Do you think Pass labs XA30.8, or Pass Labs Int-60, would be a good match. If so, would one would match best of the two. I use all Siltech cablesDescription: Two-way, stand-mounted, reflex-loaded loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) ring-radiator tweeter with dual toroidal waveguide, 6" (150mm) polypropylene-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 2.5kHz. Crossover slopes: 6dB/octave. Frequency range: 39Hz–30kHz. Sensitivity: 88dB SPL (2.83V at 1m). Nominal impedance: 4 ohms. Power handling: 30–200W without clipping. Dimensions: Speaker: 15" (380mm) H by 8.25" (210mm) W by 15.25" (390mm) D. Weight: 93.75 lbs (42.6kg). Column stand: 48.5" (1230mm) H by 12" (305mm) W by 15.75" (390mm) D. Weight: not specified..

**rbbert** · June 18, 2015, 05:22 PM

Looks like the INT60 I was going to demo went to a paying customer, so I'll have to wait 'til near the end of the month.

BTW, it looks to me like the PFO reviewer is very confused about the INT30A and INT60 modes of operation and power output. I've emailed the editor asking him to double-check that info with Pass Labs; we'll see.

**joeinid** · June 18, 2015, 05:43 PM

Welcome to the form! Thank you for joining.

Originally Posted by Siltech

A+

Originally Posted by Siltech

I'm not sure if my postings are going thru, so I'll try again. I own a pair of Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento Speakers. Do you think Pass labs XA30.8, or Pass Labs Int-60, would be a good match. If so, would one would match best of the two. I use all Siltech cablesDescription: Two-way, stand-mounted, reflex-loaded loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) ring-radiator tweeter with dual toroidal waveguide, 6" (150mm) polypropylene-cone woofer. Crossover frequency: 2.5kHz. Crossover slopes: 6dB/octave. Frequency range: 39Hz–30kHz. Sensitivity: 88dB SPL (2.83V at 1m). Nominal impedance: 4 ohms. Power handling: 30–200W without clipping. Dimensions: Speaker: 15" (380mm) H by 8.25" (210mm) W by 15.25" (390mm) D. Weight: 93.75 lbs (42.6kg). Column stand: 48.5" (1230mm) H by 12" (305mm) W by 15.75" (390mm) D. Weight: not specified..

**KeithR** · June 18, 2015, 06:41 PM

were you thinking 60W full Class A? the owners manual states 60/120 into Class A/B

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 07:43 PM

I'm thinking full Class A. I just checked the manual for Pass Labs Int-60. It leaves Class A at 30 watts. Below are posted specs, Int-60
SPECIFICATIONS
INT-60
Gain
29/35 dB
Volume control (1dB steps)
63dB
Remote
yes
Inputs
4
Outputs
2
Power Output /ch (8 ohm)
60 Watts
Power Output /ch (4 ohm)
120 Watts
Type
Class AB
Frequency Response
-6dB @ 80KHz
Input Impedance (Kohms)
45
Distortion, (1 KHz, full power)
1%
Damping Factor
150
Slew Rate (V/uS)
50
Output Noise (uV)
<250
Input CMRR (dB)
-60
DC Offset (V)
0.05
Leaves Class A at pk Watts:
30
Power Consumption (W)
375
Temperature (deg C.)
53
Dimensions (W x D x H)
19 x 21.2 x 7.6
Weight (LBS)
93
Ship Weight (LBS)
110

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 07:52 PM

The XA30.8 post 61 Watts in Full Class A@4ohms. My speakers are 4ohms. If I'm correct, the XA30.8 seems to put out double the Class A power of Int-60. Therefore, the XA30.8 is probably a better match for me.

**rbbert** · June 18, 2015, 07:54 PM

Although the separate "spec sheet" for all the Pass Labs amps says it leaves Class A at 60 peak watts; perhaps the difference between 4 and 8 ohms? I don't know. For an 88 dB sensitive speaker, 4 ohms, it's probably OK.

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 08:02 PM

I agree.
61 watts @4ohms or 30 watts @8ohms

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 08:06 PM

Do you think 61 watts per channel of full Class A is enough. I listen from low to mid volume levels. These new .8 series amps, draw a lot of power.

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 08:21 PM

Why don't Pass Labs post there Class A power in RMS. Instead they post in Peak power. Almost every hi end company use the RMS rating. RMS is considered true power. I think Pass Labs you peak power, for the appearance of more power. This Is Deceiving .

**rbbert** · June 18, 2015, 08:29 PM

Actually, everything about the new integrateds is a bit confusing, but the power for all Pass Labs amps is clearly specified in rms watts, it's only the power leaving Class A that is specified in peak watts. FWIW, every independent measurement of a Pass Labs amp has always had it easily exceeding its rated power.

But what is really going on with the new INT60 and INT250 is very confusing to me. With the INT30A and INT150 it was easy to see a basic amp that essentially corresponded to the integrateds. That's far from clear with the INT60 and INT250, even though the pricing of the integrateds relative to the basic amps is about the same as it was for the .5 series. I've asked for more and clearer information, we'll see what I get.

**Siltech** · June 18, 2015, 08:55 PM

@rbbert
You say Pass labs post all power in RMS, except when leaving Class A.
I'm confused.
Pass Labs post XA30.8 at 30 watts @8 ohms, and 60 watts @4ohms. Yet, it post 61 watts peak leaving Class A. This is confusing. This amp is a Full Class A.

**rbbert** · June 18, 2015, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by Siltech

@rbbert
You say Pass labs post all power in RMS, except when leaving Class A.
I'm confused.
Pass Labs post XA30.8 at 30 watts @8 ohms, and 60 watts @4ohms. Yet, it post 61 watts peak leaving Class A. This is confusing. This amp is a Full Class A.

No, it has just over 6 dB of Class A/B headroom above 30 watts/ch, and independent tests show about 130 W/ch before clipping.

**BlueFox** · June 19, 2015, 01:28 AM

What I have wondered is if the 'leaving class A' power is the same for both 4 and 8 ohm loads. For example, Pass rates their amps as X watts at 8 ohm, and 2X watts at 4 ohms. Then they say the amp is in class A for Y watts. Is that for both 4 and 8 ohm? Or is it 2Y watts for 4 ohms?

**rbbert** · June 19, 2015, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by BlueFox

...Then they say the amp is in class A for Y watts. Is that for both 4 and 8 ohm? Or is it 2Y watts for 4 ohms?

Part of my questions for Pass

**KeithR** · June 19, 2015, 12:30 PM

my guess is its lower than 30 watts into 4 ohms, certainly not higher. this is really an amplifier designed for easy loads in the first place- and you don't want to be sliding out of Class A

the "rating" above its specs is because it slides into A/B. stereophile noted on the XA60.5 review: "The needle of the front-panel meter remained just to the left of 12:00 at 8-ohm powers below 60W. At 60W it moved slightly to the right, reaching 1:00 at 100W into 8 ohms and 1:30 at 120W."

**PeterA** · June 19, 2015, 03:34 PM

I just read the review. I really disagree with the early comment that the front plate has "simply classic lines". It is anything but. This statement stayed with me for the rest of the review and I had trouble concentrating.

I'm a big fan of Pass labs and own the XA160.5, XP20, XP25. I have owned many, many of their previous Aleph and XA amps, preamps and phono amps. I just don't like the looks of any of the integrated amps.

**Mike** · June 19, 2015, 03:42 PM

I love look of the two new integrated amps - especially the INT-60.

**rbbert** · June 30, 2015, 04:55 PM

INT60 in the house!

**Mike** · June 30, 2015, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by rbbert

INT60 in the house!

Pics please! Can't wait for your impressions.

**rbbert** · June 30, 2015, 05:35 PM

Pics will have to wait a bit, as will significant lisening impressions, there's a few days still for break-in. But I can say that compared to my INT150 this thing is a beast, about 30 pounds heavier and bigger in every dimension, in fact it's too heavy for my Stillpoints Minis (according to what the Stillpoints guys told me at Newport). And Reno HiFi is giving me a great hometown deal if I decide to keep it

**Mike** · June 30, 2015, 06:17 PM

Glad your initial impressions are good!

**rbbert** · July 2, 2015, 07:18 PM

Two quick initial impressions.

The speaker cable binding posts are one of the coolest things I have run across on a piece of audio equipment. Super easy to fully tighten by hand; all amps should have these.

I'm never exactly sure how two amps with very similar specs can appear to have noticeably different bass response; in any case, I'm quite surprised at how much "stronger" the bass seems with the INT60 compared to the INT150.

**rbbert** · July 7, 2015, 08:45 PM

I'm still a little overwhelmed by how much "more" there is to this amp than the INT150, both physically and sonically. The bass is one of the INT150's strong points, especially compared to the INT30A, but there's a whole new world of bass in my system with the INT60. The upper midrange (a critical area IMHO) sounds both smoother and warmer. To this point, I haven't noticed any dramatic differences in imaging or the higher frequencies; dynamics seem to be a little better, but that could be my imagination. What's definitely not my imagination is that the system now sounds better than before even using Duke LeJeune's test of listening from another room. Anyway, I don't think I'll be returning the INT60...

DSCN0415.JPG

**KeithR** · July 7, 2015, 10:38 PM

are you going to try the other new integrated as well Rob? glad the INT60 is a clear upgrade to your previous amp.

**KeithR** · July 7, 2015, 10:41 PM

btw, did Pass Labs clarify the A vs A/B wattage for you?

**rbbert** · July 7, 2015, 10:55 PM

Yes, sort of. Since they named it the INT60 and it will only put out 30 W/ch in Class A (at 8 ohms), they are calling it a Class AB amp.

Given how little the INT60 is costing me, it's hard to consider anything else right now.

**kkfan** · July 8, 2015, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by rbbert

Yes, sort of. Since they named it the INT60 and it will only put out 30 W/ch in Class A (at 8 ohms), they are calling it a Class AB amp.

Given how little the INT60 is costing me, it's hard to consider anything else right now.

So, no chance of auditioning an INT-250?

**rbbert** · July 8, 2015, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by kkfan

So, no chance of auditioning an INT-250?

Not out of the question, but I don't have a burning desire yet. I don't get the needles of the INT60's meters to budge until the volume in my room is very loud; admittedly it's not totally clear to me how much power the amp is putting out then. The meters on the INT's respond to voltage rather than bias (as opposed to the basic amps).

**KeithR** · July 8, 2015, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by rbbert

Not out of the question, but I don't have a burning desire yet. I don't get the needles of the INT60's meters to budge until the volume in my room is very loud; admittedly it's not totally clear to me how much power the amp is putting out then. The meters on the INT's respond to voltage rather than bias (as opposed to the basic amps).

how loud is loud? the needles budge on Pass amps when switching to Class A/B right?

**rbbert** · July 8, 2015, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by KeithR

how loud is loud? the needles budge on Pass amps when switching to Class A/B right?

From what I can find out, that's not exactly how the meters on the integrated amps work; as I said I'm not sure how much power is being produced when the needles first budge. But in any case if the average level at my seat is about 85 dB (with peaks well over 100 dB) the needles might occasionally twitch.

**mep** · July 9, 2015, 03:12 PM

Congrats on your new amp and I'm glad you are really happy with it so far.

**KeithR** · July 9, 2015, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by rbbert

From what I can find out, that's not exactly how the meters on the integrated amps work; as I said I'm not sure how much power is being produced when the needles first budge. But in any case if the average level at my seat is about 85 dB (with peaks well over 100 dB) the needles might occasionally twitch.

since you have the luxury of living in Mark's town- would be super cool to hear your opinion of both. but i get it if you don't want that unit going back

**rbbert** · July 9, 2015, 04:03 PM

In many systems I'm sure the INT250 will sound better than the INT60; in my case it's almost twice as much money, though, and the INT60 sounds so good

**lag** · September 24, 2015, 07:55 AM

I´ve been enjoying the INT-60 for a week, in few words what an awesome product. Really good and for the price there is no contest IMHO.

**BruceLet** · September 24, 2015, 08:10 AM

I have Pass INT-60 arriving next week. Looking forward to pairing it with my new Harbeth Super HL5plus speakers and a Lumin d1. I also just got my hands on a Rogers tube integrated. The Harbeths are sounding amazing.

**lag** · September 24, 2015, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by BruceLet

I have Pass INT-60 arriving next week. Looking forward to pairing it with my new Harbeth Super HL5plus speakers and a Lumin d1. I also just got my hands on a Rogers tube integrated. The Harbeths are sounding amazing.

Bruce,

I tested it with two very different speakers:
- DIY Tannoy Monitor RED 15" ( LSU/HF /L ) . A 16 ohms system but +95dB sensitive.
- ATC SCM 100 passive tower. 8 ohms / 88dB that is closer to your harbeth´s load.

In both scenarios the 60 performed better than the int30 or int150. Looks like the .8 tech gives a huge leap on dynamics plus a nice
and sweet high extension + very controlled and authoritative bass.
Is obvious there is no contest for a xp-30+160.8 monos but I can live with the 60 without hesitation. It´s going to be a keeper on my showroom...

-

**kkfan** · September 24, 2015, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by BruceLet

I have Pass INT-60 arriving next week. Looking forward to pairing it with my new Harbeth Super HL5plus speakers and a Lumin d1. I also just got my hands on a Rogers tube integrated. The Harbeths are sounding amazing.

Bruce,

Please post your impressions on how the INT-60 sounds with the Harbeth. Very interested to know.

Thanks in advance!

**BruceLet** · September 24, 2015, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by kkfan

Bruce,

Please post your impressions on how the INT-60 sounds with the Harbeth. Very interested to know.

Thanks in advance!

I will post my impressions.

**Paul** · September 24, 2015, 10:36 PM

What cables do you use Bruce ?

**CDLehner** · November 22, 2015, 12:44 PM

Can the, IMO, garish volume display...be turned-off, and/or muted?

**joeinid** · November 22, 2015, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by CDLehner

Can the, IMO, garish volume display...be turned-off, and/or muted?

I think dimmed a little but I don't think off entirely. I heard a friend's INT-60 and tried to turn it off. I was not successful but don't remember if there was something else that I needed to do.

It sounded really nice though.

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