Audiophile-Ready 30-Watt Class A Integrated Amplifier Boasts Low-Noise Super-Symmetry Circuit, User-Friendly Operation, and Clean, Clear, Transparent Performance
Pass Laboratories, Inc., an audio innovator renowned for its unique high-performance products, will introduce the INT-30A Integrated Amplifier at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, in January. The no-nonsense, user-friendly amplifier delivers outstanding performance and a high level of user satisfaction, exposing today’s audiophile products to a broader spectrum of demanding consumers.
The INT-30A is Pass Labs’ second integrated amplifier, a 30-watt Class A version of its INT-150 Integrated Amplifier, and based on the XA30.5 Stereo Amplifier. It combines the space-saving benefits of an integrated amplifier with the sonic performance of Pass Labs’ superb XA.5 Series of Class A amps, which includes Pass’ patented Super-Symmetry™ circuit.
The INT-30A is rated at 30 watts-per-channel into 8 ohms, and 60 watts into 4 ohms. It boasts an excellent dynamic range and fast response. Designed to bridge the gap between high-end audiophile components and simple, user-friendly audio products, it moves easily from a black background to explosive transients, presenting recorded materials with a sense of realism and authenticity. Regardless of loudspeaker load, the INT-30A performs with stability and authority, delivering clean, expansive sound at an affordable price.
The Super-Symmetry topology developed by audio innovator Nelson Pass improves performance by precisely matching characteristics of the two halves of a balanced amplifier. To the extent that distortion and noise can be made to appear identical at the two output connections, the INT-30A’s balanced output will not detected them. In conventional amplifiers, under ideal conditions, ordinary matching techniques can achieve improvements by a factor of about 10. In the INT-30A, Super-Symmetry lowers distortion and noise by an additional order of magnitude.
The front panel of the INT-30A includes a fluorescent display showing the operational status, a large volume dial, on/off button and blue LED indicators for Mute and Stand-by Power, four input selection buttons, and a receiver for the signal from the IR remote.
The INT-30A’s rear panel includes XLR and RCA connections for single-ended or balanced inputs, XLR or RCA preamplifier outputs, right and left channel speaker connectors, a five-way binding post for use as a signal ground connector, an IEC 520 AC power inlet module for the supplied IEC polarized power cord, a main power switch, and a fuse holder. The speaker outputs are equipped with heavy-duty, international safety-rated, five-way binding posts.
In appearance, the INT-30A resembles the X150.5, without the meter. The faceplate is machined from thick aluminum stock, then anodized instrument-gray. The satisfyingly solid remote is also carved from machined aluminum, and visually matches the front of the amplifier.
The INT-30A Integrated Amplifier is available now from authorized dealers at a suggested price of $7,150 (U.S. MSRP). It can be seen with other outstanding Pass Labs products at the Venetian Hotel, Suite 29-140, during CES.
About Pass Labs
Founded in 1991 by legendary audio designer Nelson Pass, Pass Laboratories, Inc. markets its unique amplifiers, preamplifiers and speakers throughout the world. The company has been based in Foresthill, California since its beginning, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world. Its critically acclaimed Aleph, X and XA-Series products have won numerous awards, and Founder and CEO Nelson Pass holds numerous audio patents. His achievements include developing the first dynamically biased Class A amplifier circuit, developing a fully cascode audio power amplifier, and developing the Stasis amplifier in 1977. He helped popularize solid-state, single-ended Class A power amplifiers, and developed the very successful Aleph series of products, and the Super-Symmetry™ circuit, which achieves exceptionally low distortion and noise levels. The company is now poised to introduce a new generation of amplifiers and other high-performance audio products.
