Three Cheers for Pass Labs


We all have complaints about customer service now and then, and when we do, we don't hesitate to voice our complaints. I have a positive experience that I would like to relay to Audiogon members. Last November, I bought a Pass Labs X250.5 amplifier from a fellow Audiogon member. When I received the amp, I used it for 4 days, and I was surprised and disappointed that the sound was not nearly as good as I was expecting. I chalked it up to a difference in tastes, and put it away, intending to sell it after the holidays. I did sell it to another member 2 weeks ago, and he too noticed that it did not sound good. He had long experience however with Threshold amps, and knew that it should sound better. He called Pass, and they guided himm through a simple test that showed that the bias settings were way out of whack. The buyer no longer wanted the amp and I refunded his money. However, I was told by Nelson and Kent at Pass Labs that if I shipped it to them, they would repair it at no charge. I want to add that the amp is out of warranty. I think that this is exceptional customer service, and I want everyone to know. I have had a similar experience with McIntosh, and I want to give a vote of support to all manufactureres who treat their customers in this way. Thanks!
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Showing 1 response by barrysandy

I own a Pass Labs X0.2, an XVR-1-3 crossover, an Xono phono, a pair of Aleph 2s, and a Threshold S/550-e. Not only do they sound great and are well-build; they're all classics or destined to become so.

When I was considering the crossover purchase I had several e-mail exchanges with Kent at Pass - always very helpful, informative & patient. Mark at Reno is a class act all the way.

Nelson's in a league by himself. I know of no one in the audio community who does more for this hobby than him. Go over to diyAudio.com where he's constantly helping out others with their projects sharing circuit advice & design experience selflessly. He doesn't have to do this. In an audio world that's got more than it's share of paranoid, egocentric designers (sometimes with good reason!), he's clearly in it for the love of it.

I'll continue to buy Pass Labs equipment in the future & this is one of the reasons why.