Zen4 Or Aleph3?

Jay · 11th February 2003, 10:26 AM

Hi,

I had done a quick tour of Zen variations building, and ended up in Aleph 3. It's already 3 days passed and I need 1 or 2 weeks to familiarize myself to the new amp.

My first impression to the Aleph was its much better distortion than the Zen, especially in the top end. And it seemed to have better damping capability than the Zen. The vocal was sweet, flew like air (this one was amazing). I felt like being watching to the stage instead of being on the stage with the singer.

I know that lots of factors affected my judgement, and that is just exactly the point.

I am scared to have a feeling that I (my brain) will prefer the Zen over an Aleph. With respecs to it's credits, Aleph doesn't sound like a single-ended amp to me. With Zen4 I got an enjoyment while with Aleph I got only "impression" (no matter how good it was). My speaker was Vifa D27TG and P17WJ 88dB.

Is there any fellow out there experiencing the same case? Built Zen4 and Aleph3 and finally choosed one?

Anyone think that simply using a 92dB+ speaker will certainly improve the system or change my judgement?

Mad_K · 11th February 2003, 05:08 PM

Some thoughts:

I have about the same feeling on SOZ vs Aleph30.

While the Aleph is nice and clean, the SOZ seems more true as long as you don't push it too hard. It all boils down to personal preference and the rest of your system.

I currently use my Aleph30, but I'm in the process of building a new 15W SOZ. I like both amps very much, but I have a huge soft-spot for the SOZ for lots of reasons. To make it easy I'll say that objectively the Aleph30 is much better, but subjectively i prefer the SOZ.

What speaker you use makes a huge difference. To decide what you'll prefer, you have to make listening tests....

Regards,

Jay · 13th February 2003, 12:45 PM

I have just downloaded the sonofzen.pdf. I will bet that this one will definitely suit my taste. It is “pure” single ended. I’m thinking of building a 4W SOZ, but my favorite transformer is 35V-0-35V. And the worst thing is: I’m reluctant to build the balanced pre-amp! (For now)

Once I built a 2W amp from TEA2025 and matched it to BOZ, and I just cannot forget the sound. I wish I could have more power from the chip (yes I can bridge but I need to find one for the other channel). I will not stop searching for a good sounding chip. TDA7295 is my next candidate. Any info for hi end chip? The best one?

protos · 13th February 2003, 01:14 PM

Gainclone? There are one or maybe two postings about something like that.

Mad_K · 13th February 2003, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by protos
Gainclone? There are one or maybe two postings about something like that.

Or was it three?

GC vs SOZ? lol ...

moe29 · 13th February 2003, 09:09 PM

mads, did you ever post pics of your SOZ?

would love to see.

Mad_K · 13th February 2003, 10:57 PM

Sorry, no pics of that one... (Didn't look too good either.....

)

moe29 · 13th February 2003, 11:54 PM

I was just asking because i'm in the process of
putting my ~4 watt SOZ together and like to see
other examples. Exspecially when i know that you
are good at point to point wiring

/mads... only wants you to see his good side

m.

11th February 2003, 10:26 AM	#1
Jay diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Jakarta	Zen4 Or Aleph3? Hi, I had done a quick tour of Zen variations building, and ended up in Aleph 3. It's already 3 days passed and I need 1 or 2 weeks to familiarize myself to the new amp. My first impression to the Aleph was its much better distortion than the Zen, especially in the top end. And it seemed to have better damping capability than the Zen. The vocal was sweet, flew like air (this one was amazing). I felt like being watching to the stage instead of being on the stage with the singer. I know that lots of factors affected my judgement, and that is just exactly the point. I am scared to have a feeling that I (my brain) will prefer the Zen over an Aleph. With respecs to it's credits, Aleph doesn't sound like a single-ended amp to me. With Zen4 I got an enjoyment while with Aleph I got only "impression" (no matter how good it was). My speaker was Vifa D27TG and P17WJ 88dB. Is there any fellow out there experiencing the same case? Built Zen4 and Aleph3 and finally choosed one? Anyone think that simply using a 92dB+ speaker will certainly improve the system or change my judgement?

11th February 2003, 05:08 PM	#2
Mad_K diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Norway	Some thoughts: I have about the same feeling on SOZ vs Aleph30. While the Aleph is nice and clean, the SOZ seems more true as long as you don't push it too hard. It all boils down to personal preference and the rest of your system. I currently use my Aleph30, but I'm in the process of building a new 15W SOZ. I like both amps very much, but I have a huge soft-spot for the SOZ for lots of reasons. To make it easy I'll say that objectively the Aleph30 is much better, but subjectively i prefer the SOZ. What speaker you use makes a huge difference. To decide what you'll prefer, you have to make listening tests.... Regards, __________________ Mads K

13th February 2003, 10:57 PM	#7
Mad_K diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Norway	Sorry, no pics of that one... (Didn't look too good either..... ) __________________ Mads K

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13th February 2003, 12:45 PM	#3
Jay diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Jakarta	I have just downloaded the sonofzen.pdf. I will bet that this one will definitely suit my taste. It is “pure” single ended. I’m thinking of building a 4W SOZ, but my favorite transformer is 35V-0-35V. And the worst thing is: I’m reluctant to build the balanced pre-amp! (For now) Once I built a 2W amp from TEA2025 and matched it to BOZ, and I just cannot forget the sound. I wish I could have more power from the chip (yes I can bridge but I need to find one for the other channel). I will not stop searching for a good sounding chip. TDA7295 is my next candidate. Any info for hi end chip? The best one?

13th February 2003, 01:14 PM	#4
protos diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Athens+Addis Ababa	Gainclone? There are one or maybe two postings about something like that.

13th February 2003, 09:09 PM	#6
moe29 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Florida	mads, did you ever post pics of your SOZ? would love to see.

13th February 2003, 11:54 PM	#8
moe29 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Florida	I was just asking because i'm in the process of putting my ~4 watt SOZ together and like to see other examples. Exspecially when i know that you are good at point to point wiring /mads... only wants you to see his good side m.

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