Aleph J builder from Wisconsin, USA
Hi all,
First post to the group. I’ve loved reading through so many posts, here and in the Planet10 speaker forums.
A friend turned me onto the Pass designs and I’ve been doing a ton of research and decided that I’ll build an Aleph J. The rave reviews of it make it irresistible. So I ordered a board set and the semis from the DIY store. As I peruse the BoM on this, there are several options for devices. Are they ordered by preference, class, or any other criteria? Or no particular order?
My current stable includes a pair of Klipsch Heresy IIs, JBL L-20Ts, Technics SE-A70 Class A-ish (so it says on the label) amp and SU-A80 preamp, a Denon DP-47F turntable, and a couple of Proton cassette decks, all of which I bought while stationed in Japan in the 80s on the USS Midway . I never have been able to keep a CD transport alive for some reason! I must admit that I love my “vintage” equipment (tough to hear myself say when I remember buying them new) and the collection sounds great in my own ears. But I don’t know what I don’t know. I recently bought a Schiit Modi DAC for streaming to get a feel for what better digital is supposed to act like. It’s a starter DAC before moving up the food chain. Looking forward to seeing what true high-end audio sounds like in my own house. I did work in a hifi shop in Memphis for a while so have experienced higher end solid state and tube amps along with similar speakers from the likes of Totem, Energy, and others. So ready to step up my game.
I was an avionics tech in the Navy, working on F/A-18s during the Gulf War and taught discreet electronics, digital, and radar as well. So I know my way around schematics and soldering irons. This is going to be great fun!
~Chris
Hi all,
First post to the group. I’ve loved reading through so many posts, here and in the Planet10 speaker forums.
A friend turned me onto the Pass designs and I’ve been doing a ton of research and decided that I’ll build an Aleph J. The rave reviews of it make it irresistible. So I ordered a board set and the semis from the DIY store. As I peruse the BoM on this, there are several options for devices. Are they ordered by preference, class, or any other criteria? Or no particular order?
My current stable includes a pair of Klipsch Heresy IIs, JBL L-20Ts, Technics SE-A70 Class A-ish (so it says on the label) amp and SU-A80 preamp, a Denon DP-47F turntable, and a couple of Proton cassette decks, all of which I bought while stationed in Japan in the 80s on the USS Midway . I never have been able to keep a CD transport alive for some reason! I must admit that I love my “vintage” equipment (tough to hear myself say when I remember buying them new) and the collection sounds great in my own ears. But I don’t know what I don’t know. I recently bought a Schiit Modi DAC for streaming to get a feel for what better digital is supposed to act like. It’s a starter DAC before moving up the food chain. Looking forward to seeing what true high-end audio sounds like in my own house. I did work in a hifi shop in Memphis for a while so have experienced higher end solid state and tube amps along with similar speakers from the likes of Totem, Energy, and others. So ready to step up my game.
I was an avionics tech in the Navy, working on F/A-18s during the Gulf War and taught discreet electronics, digital, and radar as well. So I know my way around schematics and soldering irons. This is going to be great fun!
~Chris
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Glancing over the BOM, all the parts listed on their look like nice parts. I think there are just multiple options in case something is out of stock or if you have a preference for a particular brand or product line. Personally, I wouldn't spend much time thinking about it because all the options can be overwhelming and you are unlikely to notice a difference between them.
Good work Chris, check and double check is my motto even down to measuring resistors etc, before soldering, makes life a hell of a lot easier when powering up, also don't rush, take your time with the build and be neat, with wiring. The guide will just about cover everything for you.
The BOM is comprehensive with alternatives, but all components are available.
The BOM is comprehensive with alternatives, but all components are available.
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Welcome. There are a few of us in Milwaukee or the burbs (Madison) that would be happy to help out if it gets to that ( social distancing acknowledged ) . I have built a mini Aleph and it is a great amp , the praise the J gets I am sure is well deserved..dB
A friend in Madison actually turned me on to them. He’s built an ACA and an M2, I believe. Looking forward to being able to hear them sometime.
Welcome. There are a few of us in Milwaukee or the burbs (Madison
What is this Mini? I think I saw a couple of photos. Is it half an Aleph, one each, in a narrow case? It looked cool.
Ordered parts from Mouser this evening. Everything was in stock except for the WIMA caps for C6 and C7. They're backordered until around mid-March. The n00b guide says the amp will work fine without them, but I'll put them in when they arrive.
$75 for both boards? Heck yeah.
The Mini-A
$75 for both boards? Heck yeah.
I found the post on it. Thanks!
The Mini-A