Take a tour of Nelson Pass’ listening room

[@phomchick]

The absolute best part of this video is that Nelson has an oscilloscope hooked up to a speaker to show just how little music requires more than one watt.

[@melbguy1]

My next amp will have conservatively 60 watts Class A into 4 ohms which my speakers will only ever use up in micro- second bursts for big dynamic peaks.

[@xfilesfoxisdead7979]

Im using less than 1 watt to my near Field listening. Sometimes its even less than 0.5 W

[@johnbewty]

This is both true and misleading at the same time. 1W is plenty of power to let you listen at 75-85dB and it can sound great. This "first watt" is most crucial, just like Nelson says! But, it's the dynamic peaks that really make music come alive and pull you in emotionally. You need 20-30dB of momentary headroom for that. To achieve that, you either need very sensitive speakers, or lots of power. For a low-power amp, you need high sensitivity speakers - think 95db/watt or higher and you may still find the bass lacking. For speakers with medium or low sensitivity, 100-200W of peak amplifier power is not overkill.

[@martinda7446]

It's speaker sensitivity which should be taken note of as well as average amplifier power. As 3db is a doubling in power. An extreme case would be a small low sensitivity sealed box type of 82 db sensitivity next to a big 108db horn driven by one watt - You would need to push the lower sensitivity model with about 500 watts average for same pressure level.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Yah as it depends on you speakers too ... I can tell you that my magnepans don’t do nothing much of interest on 1 watt

[@tsamplifiers6493]

I'm a fan of Mr. Pass. I've owned his 400A, CAS2, FET9 and 10 and S300II. Most remain unsurpassed today. I admire his passion, creativity, complete honesty and integrity in promoting his companies and products. His Pass products are statement, daily drive exotics. That their performance is equaled with fewer output devices, smaller peak oriented power supplies, basic chassis and minimalist, decorative metal work is beside the point. They are for true audiophiles like myself who have had everything, but want to settle down with something beautiful, original and unsurpassed in every detail. Nelson Pass could be far wealthier. But he would never build companies and sell them at their peak (Henry Kloss) to offshores leaving workers unemployed. I am grateful to have owned some of his earlier, still working components. Rock on Nelson!

[@newdeep19]

Thank you Nelson and Steve for this wonderful video.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

This is Part 4 of a 6 Part series. Links for Parts 1 to 3 are in the description box below the video. Parts five and six will post over the next two Saturdays.

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

Steve I'm 🤤

[@Waitaminutesilly]

No fancy speaker cable, power cord, and power conditioner! Oh and nice imagery of picture of Albert in the background next to Nelson at the end of the video!! This video really inspired for me to get XA30.8 amp!!!

[@miguelbarrio]

Thank you Nelson and Steve! The 1,000 JFET amp and the pic of the first transistor are to die for!!!

[@wesw9586]

@Mdmchannel I wonder if there is even a decent equivalent part out there today? A lot of Nelsons goodies are made with some pricey to downright unobtanium level FETs and transistors.

[@deserteddrake]

@Mdmchannel to be able to drive speakers!

[@jimomertz]

The fact that he has the picture of that first transistor, and treasures it, tells me that he respects the enormity of that invention and how it changed the world. I wonder if he had to match those 1000 JFETs. It would take forever!

[@FOH3663]

He hand matched, and hand soldered all of them.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

There is something very special about being in the presence of greatness. I have enjoyed that privilege several times, it leaves a lasting impression. As always, thanks for sharing!

[@TheDistrict644]

Black Waterdogs I would think. Walking history!

[@audioheadcase1938]

Love, love, love for Nelson Pass - I was fortunate enough to purchase a set of Threshold SA/6e amplifiers that were built for Rene Besne, Mr. Pass's partner at Threshold. They are truly one of a kind and they will stay in the family forever. Incredible powerhouse amplifiers that have a sweet, delicate sound. The are a great match with the Magnepan 3.6R . Thank you Mr. Pass for creating the perfect key that unlocks my Magnepan's true potential ! What a cool room ...

[@deevnn]

Terrific interview of a an incredible innovative genius.

[@mrGoesto11]

Cool gear, Nelson Pass is such a nice guy. One day I hope to own a piece he's made.

[@rickg8015]

What I like about Nelson Pass is he hasn’t abandoned his DIY roots.. He thrives on it.. He knows the good shit too, from Corman to Giger to Zappa.. That discrete amp with tiny J-fets is special indeed.

[@512bb]

This video is proof you never stop learning as I had no idea Nelson was such a Frank Zappa fan which is a close subject in my life. My uncle was Frank Zappa's manager & he was responsible for getting me into audio as Frank bought me my very first pair of speakers back in 1978 ( JBL 4311b ) which I still own & there started my journey. As a side note I think people would be surprised to know what a brilliant & deep thinker Frank really was, he was truly something special aside from his musical .talents, what a terrible loss that he was taken too soon.

[@MangoZen]

Thank you Steve. A wonderful and interesting video. Never imagined I would get to experience Nelson Pass’ listening room. Awesome!

[@Renrondog]

PAPA! One of the nicest people I've ever met. Very dry sense of humor. We love you Papa!

[@rj0640]

Nelson Pass is a mensch. I am a big fan of him, his attitude toward business and his work. I am a Pass Labs fan and an even bigger First Watt fan. Steve and Nelson, thanks for this great series of interviews. As was said already, you will be hard pressed to top this.

[@morris7025]

Thanks Steve! You're going to have a hard time topping this series! : )

[@brandonenn7052]

Thank you, Nelson for the years of music enjoyment. Your contribution to the Adcom GFA 555’s has kept my Magnepans sounding detailed, amazing and musical for decades. Recently, I have been considering upgrading. The amps sound wonderful in bridged mono mode. But I am downsizing and in a smaller apartment now and wanted to go to a single stereo amp. Considering pass labs and calling local dealers in my area. None carry the Pass labs brand, but every single person said that it was great gear and how nice a man Nelson is. That is a real compliment. People who’ve met him always seem to Say how nice a person he is. For someone of his accomplishments, it would be very easy to be arrogant and dismissive. But he’s like a kid showing his hobbies and projects. Good for him. There is far too much snobbery in the audiophile world. Just enjoy music and appreciate the luxury of all this great gear. I’ve hear $100k systems and $1000 systems. As long as you’re enjoying music, the price does not matter.

[@DaleCarterDrives]

I think it is awesome that a legend like Nelson Pass uses gear in his room that "audiophiles" wouldn't use to block open a door. :-)

[@somsci]

Ditto: Thank you Steve (and Nelson) for this wonderful series of interviews.

[@raymondleggs5508]

I like how he is satisfied with a sony multi disc changer when most audiophiles would balk and he doesent use expensive wires despite the fact he came up with more than half the concepts still used in hifi.

[@georgealvarez8967]

An Honor indeed. Thank you both very much. The pride here is wonderful to see !

[@pablon7444]

Thanks for this video. Mr. Nelson Pass is a great guy, big sympathy and respect. Even though he is a busy man, he always had time to reply to my emails :)

[@mariosupa4027]

Great video Steve. Mr. Pass seems to be a very humble and gentle man. My first separate amp was the Adcom GFA-555 & matching preamplifier later a Threshold T400 I've never had the honor of owning a Pass Labs or First Watt. Again awesome video Steve !

[@marywiseman-shuffield6474]

Recently retired, I am having a blast restarting my DIY spirit. Sitting now, across from my SET amp and OB speakers using Beyma 12-inch full-range. I love simple stuff! Hats off to Nelson Pass! Thanks Steve, for all the interesting videos!!

[@myplaguesify]

nothing fancy just pure great products of genius and humble guy

[@janpedersen8376]

Wonderful to see and hear Mr Pass. I have been listening to music all day using his A40 Class A amp that i build a few decades ago and it still works wonderfully! Circuit was in Audio Amateur back in the 70’s i believe.

[@nesutoneko]

This is, by the widest of margins, the greatest audio room I have ever seen. ❤️

[@edwardbarr1533]

I love my Threshold S 350e 27 years of Stirling service ,its driven a few different speakers,all beautifully. Though I cannot afford to replace it ,very few better it , only the Pass Labs . Mr Pass like most touched with genuine greatness is a pleasure to listen to. A most wonderful video.

[@oliverbeard7912]

I enjoyed that.A humble treasure trove of interesting objects,which all seem to have some great stories behind them.The perfect "man cave" .Thanks. ☺

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Nice to hear from you, I’ve done many other interviews with Nelson for the channel, please check them out

[@polkiju7]

Who thought that the transistor bank was speaker cloth!

[@jonathansturm4163]

¦-)

[@poserwannabe1]

Everyone, even those who say they didn't.... Edit including me

[@vladnickul]

looks more like a resistor bank to me..

[@Hare_deLune]

OMG I want to hear what those sound like so badly!

[@KM-tu3wg]

Me

[@ChatGPT1111]

You guys make a great team covering and describing Nelson’s incredible work. I think I learned more in 10 minutes than any prior video.

[@Leicaphile27]

Never gets old...Beyond awesome!

[@seymourclearly]

Harry Adamidis Frank Z Phile surely

[@Leicaphile27]

@@seymourclearly Surely? No, definately! Zappa rules...

[@wesw9586]

Nelson is one of my heroes! Thanks for this series, Steve. Pretty cool to get in the lair of the man, the myth, the legend. It's just about what I would have expected with the o-scope and the homebrew speakers.

[@truebluemiata]

That picture of the first transistor ever made sent chills through me as I contemplated it. I wonder if the inventors realized the potential of what they had created?

[@jmchez]

When engineers, also from Bell Labs, patented a system for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation, they were asked what good was it for and they said they could not think of any practical applications. Think of the endless uses we have today for Lasers.

[@basspig]

Glad to see no snake-oil $300,000 turntables. Obviously he's an honest practical man. So rare in this age of snake oil.

[@Audfile]

No mishmash of carefully selected cables. Steve, take note.

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

How michael Fremer read what you said, be ready😂

[@basspig]

@@salvadorrodenas3071 Fremer is at the forefront of this dishonesty.

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

@@basspig nobody has a gun pointing to his head to convince he/she? has to spend X money. I listen daily through cheap electronics with great results, however, I've also satiated my desire, some times, to own expensive, exclusive items I reckon now they weren't a necessity in order to listen music with high quality but, you must be aware that this hobby has many facets, as many as audiophiles. Look at Nelson, he adnowledges that with certain loudspeakers, one watt is all he needs but he has designed a built many thousand watts along his career. Is he dishonest with himself? I don't think so.

[@basspig]

@@salvadorrodenas3071 No, but the dishonesty of the snake oil audiophool business would be found in violation of Federal Trade Commission laws if anyone in the government were competent to evaluate audio gear. Such marketing quickly separates fools from their money. Building large and powerful amplifiers is not in that category. Sometimes the power is necessary to prevent clipping on unusual types of recordings, such as pyrotechnics.

[@Aswaguespack]

It’s been posted earlier that TODAY is Steve’s Birthday. So a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Steve on your birthday. A few days ago I made 66, so I am old enough to understand the society we grew up in and have such fond memories of. Have a most wonderful day Steve. Hope you get a lot of cool new shirts today!! 😂

[@DwightMS1]

Nelson has the face of a truly happy man.

[@socksumi]

One of the great amp designers of our time.

[@DKBoerner]

Great show and interview. I love it. 👍✌️🙂

[@michaelbullock9079]

Love this guy, would love to meet him some day. He is so real and passionate about his work, just like Andrew Jones!

[@henriksrensen3220]

I would like to meet Flemming erik Rasmussen from Gryphon

[@mattschmidt2164]

How cool is it that Nelson listens to Thievery Corporation? Kudos Steve, your best video ever.

[@rosssmith173]

Some of my best sounding records are a collection of Theivery Corporation records that were pressed on 45 rpm colored vinyl.

[@jarodreddig63]

Absolutely fascinating!! I want more Pass!!!!!!

[@mkherring]

Steve this is absolutely awesome ! Thank you Steve and nelson.

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

Great video! It was a pleasure to get a bit of insight into the life of one of my very few audio heroes. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@alexanderscott3790]

WOW! LOVE THIS GUY!! Im very sad, cause manny years from now,, whos gonna replace this man?!! I don't see anyone lining up on the horizon, sadly to fill his shoes. A dying breed those like him, and his like...i can't even say how appreciative, respextful, and grateful i am that Nelson has blessed us with his person, his knowledge, experience , passion, skill, and creative inspirations and designs!!! Ive had the great pleasure of not only enjoying many of his designed products over the decades, and thoroughly enjoyed them all greatly! To say the hi end audio world wouldnt be the same without this man would be one of the great understatements!! A true legend, and master of his craft. SO GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU NELSON!!! So, BTW, just incase anyone thought that we as a world/ society couldnt DE-EVOLVE, think again! (Roman empire collapsed, and cement making technology was lost for 1000 years!) I sad...(but, for note, i GLAD! ..That Nelson is still here with us all😊)

[@Chris.from.1950]

Love this man. Well done, Steve! Many thanks, as always.

[@vcp93]

So awesome of Nelson to let you in to his "laboratory". Also, I love the shot of Nelson at the end with a picture of Einstein over his shoulder. Nice work Mr. deMille. 😎🎥

[@meshplates]

Love this system. And its DIY vibe. Surprised to see how relatively modest it is. But sounds great I'm sure.

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

Wow! Never heard of this type of optical pickup. Nelson Pass. An Audio Hall Of Famer!

[@delvalle9256]

Wow 😮. Thanks 🙏 for this Steve.

[@alessandrolucabianchi3433]

Great to see how “human” and tailored to his taste is the system that Nelson uses with zero frills. He could have much more exotic stuff probably. Thank you Nelson, thank you Steve. P.s. I look forward to pair my SIT-3 with B1 with cinemag or nutube and see what happens, I might try in the future also the cube audio they are in my short list.

[@markw5497]

Very nice, best 10 mins of my week!

[@FlemmingDP]

and the man has a mouse mat with sponge bob square pants , that's my man :)

[@wesw9586]

He seems like a really young-at-heart kind of guy. I think the mouse pad is proof.

[@Lt.Mingus69]

Not to mention the Alien figure and Giger book.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

Cool seeing these treasurs from the past (and present) from a man who is a treasure himself.

[@leroyusa935]

No sky high dollar hype in Nelson's listening room. So nice to see his passion for the past and present history making audio technology. Unlike other audiophile showroom videos that seem to emphasize those insane and outrageous prices on those over the top fancy chassis, faceplate and lighted displays, Nelson's components are purely functional and humble genius creations. He's a genuine humble person and not the materialistic, "guess how much this baby cost me" Thank you Nelson Pass, I am honored by your unselfish non egotistical invitation into your home. I love those numerous power strips, all out in the open. *LOL* Please don't ever change !!!

[@opk157]

What a great character and loving his profession. It shows!

[@diegodioli3758]

Great interview! Thanks to Both Steve and Nelson. Loved the entire series.

[@jmn1234]

I love it! Audio genius, Nelson Pass, is using lamp-cord type speaker and interconnect cables! Excuse me while I take a victory lap.

[@guilhermedealmeida2299]

This is the *listening room* of the great man. The high level speciallist in sound and electronics. We all now he knows a lot, a lot in sound reproduction. But can you see the bass traps, can you see the absorbers? Can you see the diffusers, can you see any signs of room treatment? This is his personal listening room remember? It seems we are too much obsessed with room treatment. Certainly we can optimize, avoid bad procedures but without too much obsession...

[@Aswaguespack]

Thanks Steve for sharing with all of us this guided Video Tour of one of audio’s most innovative pioneers in this world of Audio excellence. What a treat to share a brief glimpse into the private domain of one of the leaders in the development of consumer sound reproduction! Thank again Steve. PS. I do miss seeing your shirt today 😂

[@3lueant347]

PLEASE tell Nelson a good frame shop can easily provide UV glass that prevents deterioration of art such as his transistor photograph !!! Wonderful series. Thanks.

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

Good observer! It's evident you are an audiophile.

[@jeanmichelbraux6341]

A real cool man ... always sharing what he know ... Big Heart and Simple Man

[@sluket1513]

A livin' Legend and a Creator of some of the most enjoyable amps for DECADES! I have had many of his products - and they have never let me down! My current set uo comprises of SIT-1 amps ... sounding ever so sweet through a bunch of TAD drivers... Thx Nelson, for coming up with sensible amps for us guys heavily into 110 dB/W ++ speakers!

[@nknm585]

Mr Nelson Pass the best man in the world!

[@Rd-bi7vr]

I got into photography....fell in love with the equipment so much that I have more bodies, lenses and little to show via a body of work! Let us not forget the music ...listening that is.

[@tbonez5906]

Just a wonderful presentation, very informational and I'm in awe... love your channel, demeanor and knowledge Steve, keep up the videos I know you mad over 700, keep em coming!

[@donaldchisholm9931]

Hey Steve , It was mentioned in the comments that today is your Birthday . If it is then Happy Birthday ! We are almost the same age. Thanks again to you and Nelson for this very interesting series of interviews. Keep up the good work! Both of you.

[@garyalexander5686]

Nelson Pass is a national treasure and should be recognized as such.

[@stewarttrenchard6869]

@6:10, I see the Thievery Corporation, Richest Man in Babylon vinyl ! Love that album!

[@ikecarumba9486]

Hi Paul Kerry here aka Vintage Audio Trader. Nice video. Hadn't known till now you have a pair of Imperials set up with Tannoys. You might remember my old web page, showing off my Imperials, they're great bass bins. Unfortunately I sold my Imperials and most of my vintage gear, I'm into dipole bass these days with field coil drivers on conical horns.

[@lewiswaddo5045]

What a wonderful video, and what a wonderful man!

[@paulallen7848]

Nelson Pass is a national treasure.

[@blech71]

What a gem of a man and a god of audio

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Fabulous reveal of Mr Pass' system! I am not worthy!!

[@endnami]

this was rather amazing. I almost didn't see this video in the feed.

[@poormanselectronicsbench2021]

3 occurrences of "Innovations & Innovators" are in this video. #1, Nelson Pass, of course, #2, the picture of the first transistor made at Bell Labs, signed by it's creators, and #3 the show bill of Frank Zappa, and the fact that Mr Pass is a fan, as Frank was an innovator of music, humor and commentary that has yet to be seen since his passing. Another great episode!

[@BrianNavalinsky]

I watch this, maybe, once a month. I can't help grinning throughout, every time.

[@HouseofRecordsTacoma]

that was a great vid. yes, thanks Nelson For the hospitality.

[@777jones]

Pleasure to listen to a man who knows what he is talking about

[@johnnorris9066]

That was great I could listen to Nelson all day 👍

[@archiemacdonald553]

I love this guy's electronics ,unfortunately could never afford them due to bad choice in women ,😊😊😊

[@rb032682]

I know that situation very well. lol. 🖖😎

[@cedricshort8254]

Damn! Unfortunately I understand your predicament.

[@Aswaguespack]

I was lucky in this regards, but despite that, raising kids sucked the well dry and all my dream audio gear became just that a dream and it was replaced with dance lessons, music lessons, tuition for school and colleges, etc etc etc. I wouldn’t give it up though and I have learned to adapt and enjoy my lesser quality audio gear much more as a result, but I do often wonder what I might have had had my life choices been different hmmmmmm 😉😂😂😂😂 It’s cool to ponder on what if.... hahaha

[@seymourclearly]

I hear you there- same for me!

[@seymourclearly]

Aswaguespack it’s not too late!!,

[@paulallen7848]

Where are the cable lifters, mega buck power conditioners, magic bricks and cables lol.

[@Technical_Audio]

Steve, thanks for this series of interviews. At one point I think you asked your audience for questions to ask Nelson. Maybe it’s too late and you’ve already taped the entire series with Nelson, but if not, here are a few questions I’d like to put to Nelson. What has been Nelson’s relationship with other notable amp designers? John Curl comes to mind foremost, being a contemporary and open-minded thought leader too. But also, Dan D’Agostino, Bascom King, Bob Cordell, Charlie Hansen (deceased), Jim Bongiorno (also deceased), etc? Does he get on the phone regularly with any of these guys to swap circuit tidbits or does professional competitiveness prevent that? Who among other amp designers has he learned from and respect the most? What are his thoughts on tube amps in general (not the peculiar Korg tube, but tubes in general)? What are his views on the technical advantages and disadvantages of tubes versus BJTs, JFETs and MOSFETs? I would challenge him on the wisdom of having Pass employees all use the same speaker, the Tannoy, for amp listening tests. As revealing as it might be he runs the risk of a house sound that is the complement to the peculiarities of the Tannoy’s sound. Wouldn’t it be better to also use a wide variety of speakers to test amps: multi-driver cone speakers with complex crossovers, ribbons, electrostatics, horns - all of them. What technical tests does Nelson use that he feels correlate well with listening tests? Finally, Auburn CA, where Pass Labs is located, is hours away from Sea Ranch, where Nelson lives. It seems that Desmond Harrington runs the place on a day-to-day basis, and that Wayne Coburn does much of the design. How involved is Nelson in his company these days and how often does he get to his factory? Thanks

[@mantosof]

Thought i might see a tribute to his ADCOM GFA-555ii amplifier somewhere in his room. I still have mine, 27+ yrs and counting.

[@error079]

Please do a factory tour video.

[@RUfromthe40s]

it´s very nice i had not yet seen a amp. done like that, and the poster with the circuit it´s a nice touch, a very personalized system, in the 70´s bricolage was the fashion as in built it yourself speakers that were above the ones sold by a lot of money this if one had the knowledge ,lot´s of wood work at the time and inside a design that improved the flow of sound. you have a very especial place there, i used to hear a lot Philip Glass but the last i bought was "songs from liquid days"

[@turbo5483]

Looks like Nelson doesn't use exotic cables...Hmmmm interesting

[@mostirreverent]

I love the old threshold FET 10 knobs on that preamp

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Nelson, your "Beast of a Thousand JFets" sounds like something I've been rolling around in the back of my brain for a while now. I think you've just provided the impetus to move forward. Thanks!!! As Spock would say, "Fascinating."

[@massimobertola5607]

I loved the many references to Roger Corman, whose films I eagerly sought and watched in my younger days... And I am fascinated by The Beast with The 1000 J-Fets.

[@clausolsen856]

Oh how I love you to... Brilliant. And finally we se Cube Audio in the US😎 The widebander to end all widebanders...... Simply brilliant, and might be your last loudspeaker ever....

[@christopherspiro9857]

Awesome! I’m looking at the reissue of the Adcom GFA-555ms which he designed back in the day (wonder kid) as my first intro amp. One day I’ll surly own one of his pass or first watt amps as my end -game system. He is an American classic.

[@zogzog1063]

Thanks for sharing. Nice turntable by the way.

[@sabastiantaylor7209]

Now I know I’m officially an audiophile. My room looks just like this. Of course I do not have as nice of a bank of electronics. But now I can shoes my wife. See I’m not the only person like this. Lol

[@musicartgeek]

That photo of the first transistor is really cool. He’s right to worry about it fading, keeping it out of sunlight is a good idea, but he should definitely have some UV-rejecting glass on it as well - it’s framed in window glass. The number one enemy of works on paper is UV.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Interesting. More like a lab than a typical "Audiophile" system. I like all the decor and memories he has surrounded himself with.

[@mastluob2554]

Who’s the dude sitting on the chair in the background ? Steve’s husband?

[@TransformerVolumeC]

Great repoprt video subcribed!!! Please whats that other speaker besides Tannoy that is a thin standmoung fullrange? Whats the manufacturer of that fullrange driver? Thanks

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

The driver is from a Polish company, cube.

[@1999zrx1100]

I’m surprised his turntable wasn’t something special, keeping it simple I guess..love it.... 😎

[@mothershoulditrustthegover82]

Peter Rabbit wasn't something special!!!!it looks like a technics SL1200