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PassLabs X2 Pre SM

The document is a service manual for the Pass Labs X2 audio preamplifier. It contains: - A block diagram and descriptions of the input and output circuitry, including balanced and unbalanced connections. - Schematics and descriptions of revisions 2 and 3 of the balanced input and output stages. - Information on the power supply circuitry, including dual primary transformers, voltage regulation, and output muting. - Details on the volume control wiring and board layouts for revisions 2 and 3.

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5600nn2
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124 views

PassLabs X2 Pre SM

The document is a service manual for the Pass Labs X2 audio preamplifier. It contains: - A block diagram and descriptions of the input and output circuitry, including balanced and unbalanced connections. - Schematics and descriptions of revisions 2 and 3 of the balanced input and output stages. - Information on the power supply circuitry, including dual primary transformers, voltage regulation, and output muting. - Details on the volume control wiring and board layouts for revisions 2 and 3.

Uploaded by

5600nn2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PASS

X2 SERVICE MANUAL

REV 2,3

PASS LABORATORIES
24449 FORESTHILL RD.
FORESTHILL, CA 95631

TEL (530) 367-3690


FAX (530) 367-2193
www.passlabs.com
The Pass Labs X2 is a high performance audio preamplifier, intended for
maximum performance in reproduction of music. It is a simple design, consisting
of dual complementary input JFET transistors driving dual complementary
MOSFET output transistors connected in the patented Super-Symmetry topology.

Figure 1 shows the block diagram of one channel of the preamplifier. There are
three unbalanced inputs and one balanced input. The balanced input is
converted to single-ended via a differential amplifier. The signal from all four
inputs is presented to the Select and Tape Mon switches. The wiper of the
Select switch attaches to the input volume control, and its wiper feeds one input
of a balanced gain stage. The output of the balanced gain stage is the output of
the preamp.

The balanced input and balanced output active stages of the circuitry are made of
circuits UGS3 or UGS4. The UGS circuits are the subject of a different service
manual, separate from this one.

Fig. 2 shows the schematic of Rev 2 of the balanced input circuit. Resistors 101,
102, 103, 105, 106 and 107 form the input and feedback circuits for the stage.
R104 and 108 are used to control absolute DC offset of the circuit outputs.

The gain of the circuit is approximately unity. It accepts balanced differential


inputs, and outputs a single-ended signal through the + output. The – output is
grounded.

When using the preamplifier with a single-ended input, the negative input should
be shorted to ground for best performance. This is accomplished by using
shorting plug between pins 1 and 3 on the XLR input connector.

Fig 3 shows the schematic of Rev 3 of the balanced input circuit. R108 and R104
have been removed, C103, C104, C107 have been added.

Fig 4 shows the schematic of Rev 2 of the balanced output stage. It operates with
a single-ended input, and the negative signal input is grounded. The gain of the
circuit is approximately 12 dB.

Fig 4 shows the schematic of Rev 3 of the balanced output stage. It has added
bypass and compensation capacitor.
The Relay switches shown in this schematic are controlled by the power supply
and are used to mute the output on turn-on and when the supply voltage goes to
low to regulate. A common problem which occurs in the X2 is when the preamp
does not operate due to low line voltage. To fix this, either get a higher line
voltage or remove R14 on the relay control circuit.

For best performance with single-ended outputs, short across the SE OUT
jumper terminals next to the balanced output stage. The preamplifier will work
well without this jumper, but will give better performance with single-ended
outputs with this shorted. The preamplifier is shipped with the jumper open.

Fig 6 shows the power supply schematic to Rev 2 and 3.

The supply transformer each has dual primary windings which can be set up for
115 or 230 volts AC. These primary windings are shown in Fig 5 as parallel for
115 volts, but they may be wired in series on each transformer for 230 volts.

The power supply is rated down to approximately 100 volts AC and 200 volts AC
before the supply unregulates.

The positve supply is regulated to +33 volts by Zener diodes 1-4 and N channel
MOSFET Q1. The negative supply is regulated to –33 volts by Zener diodes 5-8
and P channel MOSFET Q2.

The output muting relay is controlled by the circuit of Q3 and the surrounding
components. Q3 conducts only when there is approximately 8 volts more
unregulated voltage than unregulated output, insuring that the output relays will
open only when adequate rail voltage exists for proper regulation.

Fig 7 shows the detail of the wiring of the volume control. The volume control
consists of a two pole selector switch with 23 positions which is wired with
precision resistors to form an attenuating network for the input to the gain circuit.

Fig 8 shows the board layout for Rev 2. Components 1-99 are power supply
components. Components in the 100-199 range are the left channel circuits,
200-299 are the right channel circuits.
Fig 9 shows the board layout for Rev 3, where the same numbering scheme
applies.

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