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

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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..
 
The one and only
Joined 2001
Paid Member
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.
 
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..

:)
 
Nelson Pass said:
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 ?
 
The one and only
Joined 2001
Paid Member
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.

:cool:
 
Nelson Pass said:
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
 
It's pronounced Aleph Null

Just because an amp is no longer in production doesn't make it
no longer valid. I'm sure the Aleph 0 is still a fine sounding amp. :)

Having to put out new product all the time probably has something to do
with the reason Pass Labs had to put the lovely front panel meter
on the X-150, birthing the X-150.5
 
Nelson Pass said:
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.

:cool:


I'll read it , Ampi-Wan.
Gleick's book on Newton i enjoyed reading, hopefully it is OK if i read this one after christmas time ?

Personally, i am in favor of the "Slow" movement. I started Tai Chi and take my time for my espresso and tasting what i chew.

As this the one on full range speakers :
Does the F1 also qualify as the best mate for AKG's K1000 ?

Aleph Null,
Forgive Me.
(pronounced multiple times the jeff Bridges, Fisher King, style ).
:clown:
 
Pass Amp for Single Driver

I have only tried three Pass Amps with my Lowther speakers. But after working for a long time trying to get the most out of a ZenV4, a mini A beat it sonically hands down.
I tried MikeW's X for a little time also, but it did not match up as well as the Mini Aleph.
If it is something you would like to try, email me. Got a green monster stitting in the closet.

George
 
The one and only
Joined 2001
Paid Member
Re: Pass Amp for Single Driver

Panelhead said:
I have only tried three Pass Amps with my Lowther speakers. But after working for a long time trying to get the most out of a ZenV4, a mini A beat it sonically hands down.

The ZV4 is not my first choice, and its reason for existence is
the high input impedance, much greater efficiency, and lower
distortion at high frequencies. If you can drive a lower input
impedance and radiate the heat, I prefer the original revised
Zen or ZV1 (the light bulb version). In both cases I have come
to prefer a lot more supply filtering with these as the Lowthers
are very efficient, especially in horns. :cool:
 
The one and only
Joined 2001
Paid Member
HeadSh0T said:
lowthers... nice! :D wish i had (could afford) a pair of those !

Check out the Lowther CS45's which are the ceramic version of
the DX55. I have a pair here and they are very good, at a
price just over $500 a pair, where the DX55's are just over $1K

If you can't afford that, look at Fostex FE166E or FE206E, among
others. These are quite inexpensive (about 1/5 the price) from
Madisound.

:cool:
 
Nelson has more Zens coming, so leave room in your closet (and wallet) for those. You never know, there might be a better Zen for your particular purposes.
That's not to discourage you from building the ones that he's already published, mind you--the more, the merrier.
I still have in mind to publish an update on the Mini-A, and a corresponding Aleph-X. I've just got to settle a few things here, like getting my car back from having a new front end welded on after the kid tried to total it for me a month ago. Oh, well. I haven't forgotten, just kinda sidetracked.
The JLH has a good reputation, as does the AKSA. I haven't built either, but feel that the reputation of each is such that I can probably recommend both without reservation. Then there's the Chiffoli (I'm mangling his name, I'm sure) Hot and Cold followers, which look promising. Of the two, you can guess which any self-respecting audiophile ought to try first.
There's no such thing as too many amps. Aside from the fact that you can biamp or run a multichannel system, you'll have backups in case something fails (something a friend recently grew to appreciate). Then there's always a more subtle reason I urge people to own plently of equipment: It permanently puts to rest this absurd notion that all equipment sounds alike, even with equivalent specs.
Huh, and I haven't even mentioned all the small tube pieces you could build.
In a way, I envy the folks whose speakers are more efficient than mine. There are lots of topologies and things I'd love to try, but they simply wouldn't be practical for me, even at low-ish volumes. Small amps are cheaper to build by far.
Don't worry about which one...build 'em all!

Grey
 
Don't worry about which one...build 'em all!

Grey,

I really wish I could but I don't think my wallet or my wife would allow so I'll have to stick with whatever I build.

I used to think tube stuff was cheaper to operate because of the lower power requirements but the parts are much more expensive.. but I built one because I liked what they could do with full-range high efficiency drivers.

But I've always wanted to build a Pass amp... ;)
 
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