I tried twice to upload a video clip of Rush “Subdivisions” playing through my crappy bench test speakers. No luck.
Look on instagram @thatcherdiyaudio for the clip.
I should point out that the needles barely move on my Tannoys. Visual proof that it's the First Watt that matters most!
Look on instagram @thatcherdiyaudio for the clip.
I should point out that the needles barely move on my Tannoys. Visual proof that it's the First Watt that matters most!
Mike - my Tannoys are 90's vintage System 1200's that I got earlier this year. They came from a studio setup. I have some parts in a box (which box??!?!?!) to do some crossover work. That update in in my queue.
As expected, MZM has the answers for all things Tannoy in another thread.
As expected, MZM has the answers for all things Tannoy in another thread.
I have been curious about Tannoys. I need to figure out where to hear some. Those speakers look very nice.
Maybe MZM knows where your new crossover parts are.
I was torn with my case choice. I had ordered heatsinks and was going to do custom metalwork around the side-blocks but then was diverted.
I built an Aleph-J in the interim (which is a really sweat little amp) and bought one of the Chinese cases - which turned-out to be quite well made and cheaper than a custom build (In Oz) !
Returning to the XA252 and looking back on the Chinese website, they blatantly rip-off Pa's commercial cases ... but they are really well made, cost competitive ... and since they were actually designed by Pa ... look really cool 😎
I fought with this internally for some time, then reached my solution ... if I buy a commercial XA25 (which is another really sweat little amp) - then I am being faithful to and supporting Pa and might be "reasonably forgiven" for buying a rip-off case from the amoral and unscrupulous ...
My assessment team seemed reasonably happy with the result:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b007c28j32qiuen/XA252-1st_Audition_Assessment-Crew.MOV?dl=0
I'll probably still go to hell ... but there be other reasons for that 😈
I built an Aleph-J in the interim (which is a really sweat little amp) and bought one of the Chinese cases - which turned-out to be quite well made and cheaper than a custom build (In Oz) !
Returning to the XA252 and looking back on the Chinese website, they blatantly rip-off Pa's commercial cases ... but they are really well made, cost competitive ... and since they were actually designed by Pa ... look really cool 😎
I fought with this internally for some time, then reached my solution ... if I buy a commercial XA25 (which is another really sweat little amp) - then I am being faithful to and supporting Pa and might be "reasonably forgiven" for buying a rip-off case from the amoral and unscrupulous ...
My assessment team seemed reasonably happy with the result:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b007c28j32qiuen/XA252-1st_Audition_Assessment-Crew.MOV?dl=0
I'll probably still go to hell ... but there be other reasons for that 😈
Attachments
Very nice! Have you had any time to do any compare and contrast between the XA25 and the XA252? Those B&W speakers look pretty nice BTW.
oh yeah, I'm also interested in Assessment Crew impressions
Ok ... we'll ignore the "assessment crew" - they'll sit through anything when the fire is on (the gas one - not the amp version!!)
First - we're in a land of "rarefied atmosphere", so the differences are small/subtle.
I had lived with an original Aleph5 clone for near 2 decades running into an earlier pair of VAF i66s - but given work/time didn't really spend too much time listening. On retiring decided I should embark on a "serious upgrade" (hence the genuine Pass XA25 and the B&W 802D4s) ... and to revisit amp construction for the fun of it !!
First comment, for those still in original Aleph3/5 land, "is it worth transitioning to an Aleph J?" ... hell yes !! The most immediate difference being SNR but also sonically a step-up.
The XA25 is more neutral, c.f. the Aleph J. The Aleph series almost have a sonic signature (which I personally find very agreeable- especially in the J), whereas the XA25 becomes almost invisible (which is likely a strong compliment).
The XA252 is closer to the XA25 c.f. an Aleph - which given the topology shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. If I didn't get that impression you might question my hearing!
If anything, the XA252 is slightly 'brighter' c.f. the commercial version and similarly very neutral and accurate. I suspect, once some dust settles, the XA252 will get the majority share of listening.
The 1st audition was with a neighbor who is a committed vinyl lover and runs a complete Linn Sondek set-up ... his comments went along the lines of "feeling embarrassed and blown away ... 'my problem is I can't unhear that' ..."
Overall - very impressive and highly recommended !!
If funds are limited and size/heat is a concern, and you are only going to build 1 amp, then it would be hard to go past the Aleph J. If not - go for it !
FWIW - Listened to:
First - we're in a land of "rarefied atmosphere", so the differences are small/subtle.
I had lived with an original Aleph5 clone for near 2 decades running into an earlier pair of VAF i66s - but given work/time didn't really spend too much time listening. On retiring decided I should embark on a "serious upgrade" (hence the genuine Pass XA25 and the B&W 802D4s) ... and to revisit amp construction for the fun of it !!
First comment, for those still in original Aleph3/5 land, "is it worth transitioning to an Aleph J?" ... hell yes !! The most immediate difference being SNR but also sonically a step-up.
The XA25 is more neutral, c.f. the Aleph J. The Aleph series almost have a sonic signature (which I personally find very agreeable- especially in the J), whereas the XA25 becomes almost invisible (which is likely a strong compliment).
The XA252 is closer to the XA25 c.f. an Aleph - which given the topology shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. If I didn't get that impression you might question my hearing!
If anything, the XA252 is slightly 'brighter' c.f. the commercial version and similarly very neutral and accurate. I suspect, once some dust settles, the XA252 will get the majority share of listening.
The 1st audition was with a neighbor who is a committed vinyl lover and runs a complete Linn Sondek set-up ... his comments went along the lines of "feeling embarrassed and blown away ... 'my problem is I can't unhear that' ..."
Overall - very impressive and highly recommended !!
If funds are limited and size/heat is a concern, and you are only going to build 1 amp, then it would be hard to go past the Aleph J. If not - go for it !
FWIW - Listened to:
- Ten to Two Blues - Dusko Goykovich (highly recommended)
- Joe Jackson - Jumpin' Jive (just great toe-tappin' fun)
- Eva Cassidy - Live at Blues Alley (not the best recording - but great musically)
- Jimmy Barnes - Soul Deeper (Live at the Basement)
- Jacques Loussier - Bach & Handel
- Norah Jones, Michel Camillo (great piano), Angelina Jordan (early - pre USA overproduction) ... assorted others 🙂