First Watt F5 vs Aleph 5

[Rony1]

Hi,

For those who had the privilege to listen to both amps please explain the differences. I am wondering what is the difference in the sound between the 2 amps.

How are the detail in the mids and highs compare?

What is the difference in the Bass sound?

I am currently using an F5 and was thinking about replacing with the Aleph 5 (for more power) and wondering what to expect. I listen to classical music and sometimes like to listen loud, the F5 is amazing but it will start to distort at high volume.

Thank you in advance.

[Bill Fuss]

Try it, you'll like it.

[Nelson Bass]

Originally Posted by Rony1

I listen to classical music and sometimes like to listen loud, the F5 is amazing but it will start to distort at high volume.

Thank you in advance.

IME more power lead to more unnatural sound due to paralleled devices.

I suggest you look in the direction for more efficient speakers that also will provide you with better dynamics and more open sound.
Look into something above 94 dB/1W and you'll be a happy camper.

[Rony1]

All my speakers are DIY and sensitivity varies between 86 to 89 dB, this is what I have to live with. I love the sound of those tang bands , this is why I am thinking of a higher power amp.

Originally Posted by Nelson Bass

IME more power lead to more unnatural sound due to paralleled devices.

I suggest you look in the direction for more efficient speakers that also will provide you with better dynamics and more open sound.
Look into something above 94 dB/1W and you'll be a happy camper.

[uvellani]

I don't know about the Aleph 5, but I built the Aleph3 as well as the F5. The aleph3 is much better in the mids and highs (like a good tube SET) and despite the fact that they have the same rating also seems to play louder into the same speakers (89db 4 ohms). The F5 is fuller in the lower end and probably goes deeper too. I would think that the sound of the Aleph3 would compare to the Aleph5 which looks like a more powerful version of it.

I use the A3 generally for small ensemble music, acoustic and vocals etc. and the F5 generally for larger scale music that needs to play loud. I have them both in the same enclosure using the same PS and heatsinks and switchable via several toggles for power and inputs and outputs etc.

[dyrevennen]

I am glad you ask this question, because I am about to start my first DIY amplifier project in about 20 years. And I have a hard time choosing which design to go for.
I built a JLH 10 W class A amplifier long time ago and I am really happy with it. However, I am currently borrowing a Pass A40 (built by a friend of mine) and it is great, and far superior to the JLH.

Thus I am inspired to build my own Pass Amplifier. I am not in need of huge power, and my candidates are either the F5 or the Aleph J. The F5 seems attractive due to no need for matching output devices, but I am slightly concerned about oscillations if I am unlucky/sloppy with the PCB design.

Any feedback on the differences between the two are most welcome, both from a sound perspective and a DIY perspective. I listen mostly to classical and jazz and will use a conventional boxed loudspeaker.

I would like to thank all you guys for contributing to this forum, by the way. I have been reading a lot here lately and I am very impressed and thankful for you willingness to share your experience! This is particularly true for Mr. Pass himself, of course. It is very inspiring!

[Nelson Pass]

Build any of them, and there's a good chance you'll come
back later and build one of the others.

[vitalstates]

Originally Posted by Nelson Pass

Build any of them, and there's a good chance you'll come
back later and build one of the others.

Papa, its possible to read that the wrong way.........

snigger

[vdi_nenna]

I have heard both of them in one day. Both DIY projects.
The A5 is sweeter and has a more rounded sound. The F5 is more defined.
Both are very good, but at a minimum, they are different in sound character.

It's going to come down to what you like best with your associated equipment. Can't lose.

Edit:
Also, I didn't hear that the bass was less powerful with the F5 because of less power.
I feel it is tighter. I listened on 89 db sens. speakers that stayed around 8 ohms.
Are your speakers easy to drive?

[VladimirK]

Originally Posted by vdi_nenna

I have heard both of them in one day. Both DIY projects.
The A5 is sweeter and has a more rounded sound. The F5 is more defined.
Both are very good, but at a minimum, they are different in sound character.

It's going to come down to what you like best with your associated equipment. Can't lose.

In Aleph topologies, "rounded sound" could result from a single electrolytic, standing at important point of schematics. Using BG or Elna Cerafines could make Aleph sound as detailed as F5, but with a bit tuby character. But, at the end, it comes much more expensive than F5. So, Aleph requires more audiophile-nature efforts.