Well - to be to be honest: it’s been long time since I last had the opportunity to listen to records. So I haven’t a comparison clear to my mind.
The amplifier might be over it’s best years (a Denon POA 1500 from around 1985).
But all that said I think the sound is good - and it is opening more as time goes on. I have listened to only 3 sides of records when I am writing this.
It’s like there is some slight distortion, but I blame the old amplifier for that😄
It’s playing through a B1 and the logical next step will be starting building the Aleph J. I have the boards and most of the components as well as Modushop enclosure - so what am I waiting for😄
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Get building! Everyone should have an Aleph. Also a Square Law amp. That will make your putter flutter!
I agonized over the choice of ACA or Aleph. The cool form factor of the Redux ACA tilted the balance (though I'm riffing on that for a balanced mono block pair).
What's a Square Law amp?
What's a Square Law amp?
Zenmods Plethora of pinjatas is, or same circuit basically as XA 252. M25 is another.
It gives them a very large Class A envelope.
Pass Labs XA25 is the commercial amp, a few here have it. Like XA 252 uses the big puck mosfets and uses square law output stage.
I don't know the whys and therefores, but there is something spooky magic about them.
Russellc
It gives them a very large Class A envelope.
Pass Labs XA25 is the commercial amp, a few here have it. Like XA 252 uses the big puck mosfets and uses square law output stage.
I don't know the whys and therefores, but there is something spooky magic about them.
Russellc
Hi all
I recently stumbled into a listing for Pearl 2 boards with what looks like all the parts to populate them in the swap meet…couldn’t resist since I always wanted to try one.
They even came with a pair of Antek AS0522 transformers for a dual mono PSU.
I looked over the documentation and the recommended power supply doesn’t look too hard to build with some monolithic bridges.
However, I saw the recent inquiry for these PSU boards…
I already reached out to Randy and he’s out of stock.
Does anybody else have a pair they’d let go of?
Let me know via PM if you could.
Thanks
K
I recently stumbled into a listing for Pearl 2 boards with what looks like all the parts to populate them in the swap meet…couldn’t resist since I always wanted to try one.
They even came with a pair of Antek AS0522 transformers for a dual mono PSU.
I looked over the documentation and the recommended power supply doesn’t look too hard to build with some monolithic bridges.
However, I saw the recent inquiry for these PSU boards…
I already reached out to Randy and he’s out of stock.
Does anybody else have a pair they’d let go of?
Let me know via PM if you could.
Thanks
K
I’m still really enjoying the Pearl 2, especially in combination with my Dynavector MC cartridge.
What I truly appreciate about this phono stage is how easy it is to tune and modify the sound to my liking.
Over the years I’ve tried quite a few different mods—some subtle, some more dramatic—and it’s been a joy to experiment.
The only real downside is when switching between different cartridge types, but with a bit of effort, that can be worked around.
All in all, the Pearl 2 remains one of my favorite RIAA stages. That said… I have to admit I’m getting a bit curious about the Pearl 3! 😊
What I truly appreciate about this phono stage is how easy it is to tune and modify the sound to my liking.
Over the years I’ve tried quite a few different mods—some subtle, some more dramatic—and it’s been a joy to experiment.
The only real downside is when switching between different cartridge types, but with a bit of effort, that can be worked around.
All in all, the Pearl 2 remains one of my favorite RIAA stages. That said… I have to admit I’m getting a bit curious about the Pearl 3! 😊
Attachments
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One mod I tried was lowering R14 (bias) from 1k to 221 ohms—it gave a bit more low-end control and focus. For the output, I’m using Mundorf EVO Oil 2.2 µF caps with 0.047 µF K40Y-9 in parallel, which adds a subtle warmth and smoothness.
I’ve also adjusted gain and input loading for my Dynavector 10X5, using WIMA caps and precision resistors at the RCAs. It’s all tuned to work with my McIntosh C28 and DIY Sony VFET amp, which I really enjoy.
These are just some of the things I’ve tried along the way. My updates are specifically tuned for my system
I’m sure the original design is the best choice for most people. But if you enjoy experimenting, the Pearl 2 makes it relatively easy to explore and fine-tune.
I’ve also adjusted gain and input loading for my Dynavector 10X5, using WIMA caps and precision resistors at the RCAs. It’s all tuned to work with my McIntosh C28 and DIY Sony VFET amp, which I really enjoy.
These are just some of the things I’ve tried along the way. My updates are specifically tuned for my system
I’m sure the original design is the best choice for most people. But if you enjoy experimenting, the Pearl 2 makes it relatively easy to explore and fine-tune.