Best PASS amp for a high efficiency full-range speaker?

[HeadSh0T]

I want to build a Pass amp but I'm not sure which one would be the best match for my speakers. I have Fostex FE208Sigma (98dB) in a horn enclosure. I currently run them with an 8W SE tube amp.

I read somewhere that Aleph 2 or 4 are very good but I think they may be too much power (100W).

Can someone recommend an amp?

Thanks..

[Variac]

Dear

Here's some relevent info. You just happen to have asked when Nelson is in the middle of a big project (and product) that relates directly to your request

Any new news on FirstWatt??

Mark

[kilowattski]

Go to www.firstwatt.com

[moe29]

The First Watt amp is great, but he wants to build something!

How about a 10 watt X-SOZ???

The ZEN amp with PSU upgrades?

[HeadSh0T]

moe's got it. I'm looking for something to build and unless someone has the schematics already of the F1, I think I'll have to look elsewhere ..

SOX looks neat but has anyone compared it to an aleph 30 for example?

[Nelson Pass]

I have an original Zen in my system right now, comparing it
to MikeW's JLH and the ZV4. It think it would do a great
job into that load, with the proviso that it has a low input
impedance. If you can't drive a low input impedance, than
you can try the JLH or maybe a ZV4 or Aleph 30 and throw
a couple ohms in series with the output.

Eventually I expect to publish schematics of FW amps after
they go through their commercial cycle.

Oh yeah, I forgot SOZ, which would work great if you have a
balanced source.

[HeadSh0T]

I'm using a bosoz right now so I can run in a balanced configuration so SOZ would be an option.

The nice thing about the SOZ or SOX is that they're easily scalable to "low" output power. Fostex FE208Sigmas have a slight midrange hump so whatever amp I choose should not emphasize the mids too much I guess..

[jacco vermeulen]

Originally posted by Nelson Pass
I have an original Zen in my system right now, comparing it
to MikeW's JLH and the ZV4. It think it would do a great
job into that load, with the proviso that it has a low input
impedance. If you can't drive a low input impedance, than
you can try the JLH or maybe a ZV4 or Aleph 30 and throw
a couple ohms in series with the output.

Eventually I expect to publish schematics of FW amps after
they go through their commercial cycle.

Oh yeah, I forgot SOZ, which would work great if you have a
balanced source.

For one, i am very curious how long the current commercial lifecycle is ?
To me it seems like yesterday when i listened to the Aleph zero amplifier after reading every article in German magazines, l'Audiophile and La nouvelle revue du Son.
It took me 4 years longer before i could afford one with a decent mileage.
Though the Aleph series lasted for 10 years it seems like the commercial lifespan is getting shorter.
Have the developements in amplifier technology been going faster ?

[Nelson Pass]

For the companies pushing the art, 10 years is a very long
product life. It seems to have gotten shorter and continues to
do so. Even popular product is considered moribund by the
manufacturer when it finds itself competing with the used
market on the same model.

I suggest reading the book "Faster" by James Gleick, but have
some tranquilizers on hand for when you finish it.

[chris ma]

Originally posted by Nelson Pass
I have an original Zen in my system right now, comparing it
to MikeW's JLH and the ZV4. It think it would do a great
job into that load, with the proviso that it has a low input
impedance. If you can't drive a low input impedance, than
you can try the JLH or maybe a ZV4 or Aleph 30 and throw
a couple ohms in series with the output.

Eventually I expect to publish schematics of FW amps after
they go through their commercial cycle.

Oh yeah, I forgot SOZ, which would work great if you have a
balanced source.

To the One and Only,
I would love to know your findings with MikeW JLH vs Zen


The Butcher