Pass XP-32 User manual

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pass®
XP-32 Owner’s Manual

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WARNING
Water and moisture: This device should not be used near water ( as per example, near a bath-
tub, washbasin, kitchen sink, laundry tub, wet basement or swimming pool ). Care should be
taken such that objects do not have the opportunity to fall, and that liquid is never spilled onto
or into the device enclosure through openings.
Power Sources: This device must be connected to a mains power source in strict accordance
with the supplied product owners manual. Please verify that the AC mains voltage specified
in the product manual matches those requirements indicated on the unit and the AC volt-
age provided to your location by the power company. The product MUST be connected to a
MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
Power Cords: Pass Labs provides a power supply cord that meets all legislated requirements
for the market in which the product was originally sold. If you choose to substitute an af-
ter-market product we urge you to choose one that is fully safety rated by the necessary local
authority.
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. Cables should never be connected / disconnected
with equipment powered up. Failure to heed this warning may damage or destroy equip-
ment.
Ventilation: Power-amplifiers run warm, but you should be able to place your hands on them
without discomfort. You must allow for this heat in installation, by providing for free air circula-
tion around the product. Leave a minimum of 6” of space around the amplifier. The ventila-
tion should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspa-
pers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.
Other Warnings:
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus; This
amplifier is suitable for tropical climates under 2000m and ambient temperatures of 40 degrees
C or less.
Servicing: To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or other injuries, the user should not
attempt to service the device beyond that which is described in the operating instructions. All
other servicing must be referred to qualified service personnel.
For Units With Externally Accessible Fuse Receptacle: Unplug the device from all sources of
power before changing or inspecting any fuse. Replace fuse with one of same physical size,
type and rating as that specified by the manufacturer for that product.
Country Specific Warnings:
China: For use at altitude 2000m or lower.
Norway: Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
Sweden: Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
Finland: Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
Denmark: Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord, som giver forbindelse til
stikproppens jord.
Trademarks: “Pass”, “pass”, “Pass Labs”, “Pass Laboratories”, Supersymmetery”,
“Aleph”, and “Zen” and are all registered trademarks of Pass Laboratories, Inc., and
all rights thereto are protected by law.

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Introduction:
Thank you for purchasing the Pass Labs XP-32 line stage, we trust it will entice you to
re-discover your favorite recordings and explore new musical delights.
At Pass Laboratories we do not change products or offer a new model unless we
believe the changes offer significant improvements over the previous version. As a
result we typically experience products with a seven to eight year production run.
We are constantly working on and listening to new circuits and components,
increasing our knowledge and seeking better sound and enhanced product
reliability. Over time we find enhancements worthy of putting into production and
significant enough to warrant a change in design. That time has come for the XP-32.
The new design uses double shielded low noise toroids in a true dual mono topology
for the gain channels and another transformer, linear power supply dedicated to the
control architecture. The use of three fully independent power-supplies in the control
chassis results in dramatically lower radiated noise and far better THD+Noise figures in
the gain stages. Residual circuit noise becomes paramount at low signal levels. By
going to extreme lengths to lower noise we enjoy better resolution and dynamics in
the music.
In the two gain chassis we continue to use our favorite NOS Toshibas but with larger
and higher biased output stages in a topology very similar to that used in the Pass
Labs “Flagship” Xs Preamp
The larger output stages bring practicality to much longer and multiple cable runs,
both balanced and single ended and gives us the advantage of simplifying our single
ended output circuitry while simultaneously increasing performance.
The volume control is a single stage topology, it features greater range, 0.5dB volume
steps while being quieter and more dynamic. Overall this makes for a quieter and
more versatile control center for your music system. The XP-32 measures spectacularly
well but more importantly it stands out sonically.
Thank you for purchasing this preamp. It is my sincere hope that you will enjoy its
sound as much as we do.
Pass Labs

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Setup:
Please read and understand the operational instructions and safety issues associated
with this product. We go through great effort to make a soundly engineered and
superbly performing product of lasting durability. If you have any questions we are
anxious to assist in addressing them. Do not hesitate to contact either your dealer or
the Pass Labs factory directly. We are here to support the product and you the end-
user.
As with all things electrical, the power cord should be the last item attached to the
pre-amp and the very first cable to be removed anytime you hook-up or remove any
equipment from the signal chain.
The JAE umbilical cable should never be connected or removed without turning the
XP-32 off from the rear panel power switch or by unplugging the AC Power cord.
When installing the circular connector on the JAE umbilical, care must be exercised
to fully seat the connector and bottom the ring nut. The connectors are keyed and
can only go in one way. The larger tab goes to the top. The ring nut is provided with
a conventional right hand thread that should never require any use of force or tools
to connect or disconnect the cable from either chassis Clockwise rotation of the ring
nut to secure the connector, counter-clockwise rotation to remove.
The gain channels may be placed in proximity of the power supply control unit (either
on top of or underneath) with negligible loss of performance due to the extensive
shielding afforded the power supply. Some separation of the chassis is however
encouraged. The umbilical cables as supplied are 1.5m (5ft) in length to allow for
convenient component placement.
The XP-32 draws roughly 70W of power in operation. The pre-amplifier’s actual
voltage and current rating are indicated on an affixed tag on the rear of the pre-

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amplifier. Please verify that the indicated voltage requirements of this product are
consistent with the supplied power at your intended point of use.
We have provided a standard IEC AC power cord that fits into the IEC 320 line
receptacle / switched inlet module at the rear of the amplifier. In addition to
providing for power cord attachment this inlet module additionally incorporates a
power switch and fuse holder. The fuse in all cases will be a 5mm x 20mm non re-
settable time delay glass fuse. Proper fuse value is indicated on the back of the amp.
The IEC inlet provides for a safety ground via the AC mains power cord. In addition to
safety this ground is necessary for proper noise rejection. Do not defeat this ground
connection.
Operation:
The XP-32’s front panel controls and display are straight forward and intuitive. We
encourage you to become familiar with their operation prior to use.
On each gain channel there are 5 numbered inputs, one dedicated home theater
input and a tape loop (total of 7 usable inputs) Each of the 7 inputs accept either
single-ended (RCA) or balanced XLR cables.
On each gain channel there are two pairs of outputs associated with volume controls.
One main output and one slave output (either RCA or XLR). The “slave” output may
be set equal to or less than the “main” output by use of the “small volume control
knob on the gain channels.
Once set both “main” and “slave” outputs track each other through the main volume
control on the control chassis. Having two available and relatively independent
outputs with a single volume control allows for bi-amping using amplifiers of different
gain or drivers of different sensitivity.
The output of the “Tape-loop” is at 0dB (unity gain) output which allows for
convenient recording (independent of and bypassing the volume control).
Balanced inputs and outputs are via XLR connectors. Single-ended input and outputs
are via RCA connections. The XLR connections in all instances conform to AES/EBU
standards, where Pin 1 is grounded , Pin 2 is positive signal and Pin 3 is inverted signal.
The input from the RCA feeds a summing junction that maximized the patented
supersymmetry (X circuit) and preserves the balanced character of the XP-32 from
input to output when fed from a single-ended source.
After all the input and outputs are connected and double checked, you can now
attach the AC power cord and turn the unit on from the rear panel switch located
next to the AC inlet on the rear of the power-supply / control unit.
On the front panel the left-most “MUTE” switch when on silences the output of the
pre-amp, illuminates the associated LED and blanks the volume step numbers in the
alpha-numeric front panel display. Pressing the mute a second time re-establishes
output, extinguishes the associated LED and re-instates the volume step numbers in
the display

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The front panel “MODE” switch cycles the front panel display through three different
levels (Bright-Dim-Off) Using any control function of the XP-32 with the display “off”
will momentarily bring the display back up to the dim setting. The two input selector
switches (designated by left and right pointing arrows) cycle thru the active inputs, 1
through 5. The two additional inputs (home theater and tape) are selectable only
from the hand remote.
Before selecting the home theater pass through (pass thru on the hand remote), for
the first time, it is imperative that the input device on the HT input have it’s gain set to
zero Failure to follow this precaution could result in a volume level intolerable to both
ears and speakers. Selecting home theater bypass, sets the gain of the pre-amplifier
to 0dB (gain of 1x)
When the Pass Thru function is selected volume control of the system is under control
of the device connected to “Pass-Thru” and the XP-32 is essentially invisible. When
Pass-Thru is selected the display will show “PASS THRU” and the volume will quickly
ramp from 000 to 179 in both right and left channels (each step representing 1/2 dB)
Volume step 179 represents the afore mentioned 0dB gain for use with components
such as a home theater processor that best function with their own internal volume
controls. (NOTE: you may set any numbered input to “Unity” (0dB by manually
selecting an indicated level of 179 on the XP-32 display
The electronic volume control of the XP-32 allows for 100 dB range in 0.5dB steps and
is driven by a micro controller, reading an optical encoder serving as the front panel
volume control. Assuring precise level steps with an absolute increment of 0.5 dB. This
allows for accuracy and channel to channel tracking that is not available in more
traditional volume controls and preserves high common mode rejection of signal in a
true balanced circuit.
Note: You may need to be at step 80 or 100 before you can hear anything depending
on your system.
Don’t be afraid to turn the volume up to 120, 150 etc. The volume control is an
attenuator so the higher up you use it the more of the original signal is used.

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This remote is designed to operate several pieces of Pass Labs
electronics, not all of the functions available on this remote will
be applicable to your Pass Laboratories XP-32.
Power: is not used with the XP-32. This is used on other products
and has no effect on this product.
Mute: pressing mute once will quiet the pre-amplifier outputs;
pressing mute a second time will return you to the previous
volume control setting
Input Selection: Pressing. 1,2,3,4,5 will immediately move the input
selection to that input selection; volume and balance settings will
not be disturbed.
Volume: Pressing the increase (^) button or the decrease (v)
button will shift the volume setting 1dB, holding a button down
will increase or decrease the level until such time as you either
release pressure on the button or reach the limits of the volume
control.
Balance: Pressing balance left (<) or balance right (>) will
increase the level in the left or right speaker, depending upon
which button is pushed.
Tape: Pressing the tape button selects the tape loop and
displays INPUT TAPE t with volume at 000. Push tape again get you
out of tape mode.
Pass Thru: Pushing this button twice, sets the pre-amplifier to volume step 179 (0
dB) and input 5. As an added precaution when “pass through” is selected the
volume ramps upto 179. This is to prevent nasty surprises when “pass thru” is selected
accidentally. The ramp up sequence can be stopped at any time by hitting any
button on the remote. The button must be pressed again to exit “Pass Thru” and
unlock the other command selections.
Display: The default setting for the display is “bright”, pressing the display button
once changes the display to its “dim” or “low intensity” setting, pressing the button
a second time selects “off” for the display. When “off” is selected any other
control function will cause the display to indicate product operational status for
approximately 7 seconds and then the display will once again blank. Pressing the
display button a third time cycles back to a “bright display”
Ext amp on: Selection of “Ext Amp On” applies 12Vdc to a two conductor 3.5mm
TS (tip-sleeve) connector on the rear of the XP-32 control chassis. This is intended to
supply a trigger voltage that will turn on associated equipment such as power amps.
As per convention + voltage is applied to the tip contact and - voltage is applied to
the sleeve contract. Check the owners manual of your pre-amp to see if this function
in compatible.

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Maintenance:
Leave it on or turn it off: The product is designed to be left on all the time. The
exception to this might be a case where the preamp will not be used for an extended
time - in that case it can be turn off.
Cleaning: The finish can be damaged by harsh cleaners and abrasive cloths. We
find a damp soft cloth works best. You can also use a mild solution of windex or white
vinegar but be careful to avoid the acrylic window. The acrylic window should only
be cleaned using “plastic cleaner & polish”.
Remote batteries: The two AAA batteries should be replaced every six months at
least. The batteries are located under the remote back. This is held in place with four
4-40 phillips flat head screws. Please note the polarity of the batteries, putting them in
wrong could cause damage.
Replacing the fuse: The fuse should only be replace with the same type and size as
indicated on the rear. Audio Specialty FUSE: NOTE: The “Overload” and “Time Delay
characteristics” will differ slightly (due to the different metallurgy of the fuse elements)
between commercial grade and audio grade fuses. We can’t guarantee that
your audiophile grade fuse, won’t blow at a different in-rush current threshold, than
your stock commercial fuse. Use of other than approved fuses, may invalidate your
product warranty and result in product damage.
XP-32 Specs:
Power consumption: 70 watts
Gain: 9.6dB Balanced
Output Impedance: 25 Ohms RCA, 50 Ohms XLR
Input Impedance: 22K Ohms
Frequency response: +/- 0.05 dB 10Hz to 20KHz, -2dB @ 150KHz
Crosstalk > 110dB
Residual Noise 500nV RMS, SN -150dB ref max out
THD < 0.001 @ 1V 1Khz
Dimensions: 17”w x 12.5”d x 4”h times three
Weight: 62.5 lbs
How to replace the fuse:

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Warranty Information
We go through great effort to make a soundly engineered, and superbly performing
product of lasting durability. But we also understand that things infrequently go
wrong, if you have any questions or problems please contact either your dealer or the
factory, we are here to support the product and you, the user.
All Pass Laboratories products purchased new from an authorized Pass Laboratories
dealer in North America are covered by a transferable, limited 3-year warranty.
This warranty includes all parts and labor charges incurred at the factory or factory
specified repair facility, exclusive of any subsequent or consequential damages.
Damage due to physical abuse is specifically excluded under this warranty.
For this warranty to apply the customer is responsible for returning the product
unmodified to the factory within the specified warranty period. The customer assumes
all responsibility for shipping and insurance to and from the factory or a factory
specified repair facility. The conditions and stipulations of this Pass Laboratories
warranty only applies to units originally sold new through an authorized dealer.
Warranty on factory repair is 60 days and covers only the scope of the original repair.
Non-North America customers should consult with their original Pass Labs dealer or
distributor for warranty repair instruction prior to contacting the factory or shipping
product to the factory for repair.
Non-North American product must be returned to the country of origin for warranty
service. Foreign distributors are only required to offer warranty service on Pass
Laboratories product that they have imported, verifiable by serial number.
Please note: Conditions of warranty service and customer rights for product
purchased outside the United States may vary depending upon the distributor and
local laws. Please check with your local distributor for specific rights and details.
Any modifications to Pass Laboratories products that have not received written
factory approval nullify all claims and void all provisions of the warranty and liability
by the maker or authorized distributor. Should a modified product be returned to
the factory for repair the owner will be required to pay all necessary charges for
the repair in addition to those charges required to return the product to it’s original
configuration.
In the case of safety issues, no product shall be returned to the customer without
those safety issues being corrected to the most recent accepted standards.
Removal or alteration of original Pass Labs serial numbers voids the factory warranty.
Product with altered or missing serial numbers will be suspect as counterfeit or stolen
product.
Pass Laboratories will not repair or in any way indemnify any counterfeit or cloned
product. Pass Laboratories does not offer products in voltages intended for
international markets either to authorized Pass Labs dealers or to third parties located
in the United States or Canada.

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pass®
Pass Laboratories Inc.,
13395 New Airport Rd.,
Suite G, Auburn, CA 95602
530.878.5350
passlabs.com