Hi. I am looking to buy a kit either the Aleph JZM or the ACA Min Max soon. This would be my first amp build and I think I would prefer to do the ACA because it seems simpler as a first amp but my priority is to not just build one but to build one that’s good enough to go with my GR Research diy speakers I started building and can give me a high level of performance sonically. Basically I am asking which one will bring me closer to something like the j2 or f5 which I’ve never heard personally but heard a lot about how good they are
I know it isn't one of the options you presented, but reading your post made me think of tossing the F5m Redux into the ring. Pretty amazing sounding amp(s) and darn easy to build (no chassis and no AC mains wiring).
I have built the Aleph Jzm, ACA MinMax, and the F5m Redux over the past year. If you've never built an amp before, and are willing to learn a little SMD soldering, the F5m Redux is a solid choice. The ACA MinMax sounds amazing to me. The Aleph Jzm is going to outperform the ACA MinMax for bass, but dealing with AC mains is a whole different level of build than using SMPS bricks. The Aleph Jzm, ACA MinMax and F5m Redux all have different sound, but they all sound amazing to my ears. I wouldn't say one sounds better than another in my opinion. It's a difficult choice.....maybe build more than one? Start with simpler build, then step up to a more complicated one further down the road.
If I had to make a choice, and only got to keep one of mine, I'd keep the F5m Redux. It's got monoblock channel separation, with amazing AmyAlice PSU filtering circuit, and the incredible F5m sound. Luckily, I get to keep all of them and experience three amazing amps.
I have built the Aleph Jzm, ACA MinMax, and the F5m Redux over the past year. If you've never built an amp before, and are willing to learn a little SMD soldering, the F5m Redux is a solid choice. The ACA MinMax sounds amazing to me. The Aleph Jzm is going to outperform the ACA MinMax for bass, but dealing with AC mains is a whole different level of build than using SMPS bricks. The Aleph Jzm, ACA MinMax and F5m Redux all have different sound, but they all sound amazing to my ears. I wouldn't say one sounds better than another in my opinion. It's a difficult choice.....maybe build more than one? Start with simpler build, then step up to a more complicated one further down the road.
If I had to make a choice, and only got to keep one of mine, I'd keep the F5m Redux. It's got monoblock channel separation, with amazing AmyAlice PSU filtering circuit, and the incredible F5m sound. Luckily, I get to keep all of them and experience three amazing amps.
Last edited: