Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Pass Laboratories INT-60 Amplifier (SS) by Jack G

Model:	INT-60
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$9000
Description:	Integrated 60 Watt amp
Manufacturer URL:	Pass Laboratories
Model Picture:	View

Review by Jack G on September 15, 2015 at 05:45:49
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for the INT-60

I'm quite fond of integrated amps, they cut down on cables and clutter. I have quite a few. I'd been listening to PASCAL based amps with a passive for a while, but wanted something with a little more finesse, so I decided to audition the INT-60. With the exception of the First Watt series, Pass Labs doesn't tends to fly under the radar. I originally was going to go for the XA-30.8, but after discussing it with Mark at Reno HiFi, I realized that 30 watts wasn't going to drive my 87 db speakers all that well. This is a new model, part of the .8 series.
I'll start by saying that this is big and heavy. Its 93 lbs (110 shipping weight) and I felt sorry for the UPS guy. Once out of the box, it was surprisingly easy to move around thanks to the heavy duty handles on the back. I managed it by myself quickly and easily. After it was set up and settled in, I gave it a listen.
I was pleasantly surprised-two words I rarely use together. This is the suavest amp I've heard in my system, even surpassing the WAVAC MD-811. There is presence here. The tonal balance is pretty close to spot on, with maybe a slight hint of warmth. The images are quite good, but not SET-like. Soundstage is very deep. The background is completely black, notes seem to pop out of nowhere. The INT-60 accomplishes this better than any of my class D amps. The mids are transparent and the highs are delicate and airy, very extended and sublime. It does detail quite well, while still being musically relevant. The bass is other worldly. Deep, tight, fast and tuneful. The only amp I have that comes close is the Einstein Absolute Tune, but it isn't that close. For only 60 watts, this amp controls my speakers with an iron fist.
As for the secondary aspects, this is a nice looking amp and doesn't look all that big once its set up. The simple remote is well made and well thought out with well spaced buttons ergonomically placed. The meter is different than other Pass amps, where it moves with output voltage instead of bias. It looks very nice, but isn't all that useful.
Gripes? My only minor quibble is that you can't dim the volume setting readings-it is way too bright. I put a piece of Dim-it, black translucent plastic that holds on by static charge, to cut the brightness in half.

Product Weakness:	Big and heavy.
Product Strengths:	Tonal balance, Bass, musicality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: INT-60
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): PS Audio PWT/PWD
Speakers: Ohm Walsh 5000s
Cables/Interconnects: Analysis Plus solo crystal/oval 8
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Ambient,classical, clasasic rock, opera, bluegrass
Room Size (LxWxH): 23 x 19 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Drapes on glass door, rugs strategically placed on (non-parallel)walls, floor is carpet over cement
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	INT-60
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	PS Audio PWT/PWD
Speakers:	Ohm Walsh 5000s
Cables/Interconnects:	Analysis Plus solo crystal/oval 8
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Ambient,classical, clasasic rock, opera, bluegrass
Room Size (LxWxH):	23 x 19 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Drapes on glass door, rugs strategically placed on (non-parallel)walls, floor is carpet over cement
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner