I thought this would fit best here, as it is more of a 'whatever we want to talk about' post vs. putting it in the build thread or the like.
First, I won a gold medal for the s l o w e s t build, I think ordered the parts 4 years ago, and due to a job change, move, life stuff, I got the power supply built/tested, then didn't progress from there. Anyway, finally got it done and running today. Everything went smooth, no issues at all (I was VERY careful and sweated the details).
My main system is a McIntosh C53 preamp and I have a MC462 (450 watt SS amp) and MC275 (75 watt tube)...I swap between the amps as I feel like. like them both for different reasons. I also have the little 2.3 watt Decware Zen amp (it has some background hum that is preventing me from falling in love with it). I'm currently using and loving a pair of Zu Audio DW6 I picked up at the factory (about 45 minutes away, my welcome to Utah gift). Also have a pair of Sonus Faber towers that are currently off to the side while I enjoy the Zu's.
The main reason I did this build was to learn and sharpen my skills. I learned a TON, not only about electronics, but the build process. I remember the first time I tried soldering vs. now, where I can 'feel' the molten metal flowing and manipulate it (but still a lifetime of learning, I'm no pro!). As such, the amp itself was more of a curiosity and side effect vs. the main attraction. Maybe it would be good, maybe not, but not really the point.
***
Holy ****... I've been listening to it all evening, and I'm still not comprehending it. OK, maybe I am just in a really good mood tonight - but need to say my personality is NOT one of a honeymoon, most things I buy (or make) I generally don't like at first, then either stay that way...or grow to like them. This amp just immediately grabbed me and had be stand to attention.
OK, as I was listening, I was trying think of ways to describe what I was hearing. Like riding a motorcycle for the first time after driving your whole life, yup. Like standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon in person after seeing a documentary on it, yup. Like listening to a set of good headphones (I really got that feeling), yup. Like playing a synthesizer vs. hearing a recording of one, yup.
The sound clear, immediate, fast, nimble, precise, liquid. It is almost like the sound is playing faster than my brain can keep up with. And on these high-sensitivity speakers, ENDLESS power and dynamics. The speakers felt like they were pulled up close to me, the imaging was wider, taller, deeper. Also on a technical note, zero background hum or hiss (something I can't say for the Decware).
I'll make a quick reality check to say I HATE bright sound - and while this amp certainly brings endless high frequency energy, not once was I wincing or wanting to turn it down for being bright or shrill. This also means a product that tries to sound 'lively' by being bright is immediately on my naughty list. I think this amp would be a disaster with a bad source, the wrong speakers.
While I still like my other big amps, this one is special, and I have a LOT more listening to do.
I was not expecting this outcome, and that is not a bad thing!
First, I won a gold medal for the s l o w e s t build, I think ordered the parts 4 years ago, and due to a job change, move, life stuff, I got the power supply built/tested, then didn't progress from there. Anyway, finally got it done and running today. Everything went smooth, no issues at all (I was VERY careful and sweated the details).
My main system is a McIntosh C53 preamp and I have a MC462 (450 watt SS amp) and MC275 (75 watt tube)...I swap between the amps as I feel like. like them both for different reasons. I also have the little 2.3 watt Decware Zen amp (it has some background hum that is preventing me from falling in love with it). I'm currently using and loving a pair of Zu Audio DW6 I picked up at the factory (about 45 minutes away, my welcome to Utah gift). Also have a pair of Sonus Faber towers that are currently off to the side while I enjoy the Zu's.
The main reason I did this build was to learn and sharpen my skills. I learned a TON, not only about electronics, but the build process. I remember the first time I tried soldering vs. now, where I can 'feel' the molten metal flowing and manipulate it (but still a lifetime of learning, I'm no pro!). As such, the amp itself was more of a curiosity and side effect vs. the main attraction. Maybe it would be good, maybe not, but not really the point.
***
Holy ****... I've been listening to it all evening, and I'm still not comprehending it. OK, maybe I am just in a really good mood tonight - but need to say my personality is NOT one of a honeymoon, most things I buy (or make) I generally don't like at first, then either stay that way...or grow to like them. This amp just immediately grabbed me and had be stand to attention.
OK, as I was listening, I was trying think of ways to describe what I was hearing. Like riding a motorcycle for the first time after driving your whole life, yup. Like standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon in person after seeing a documentary on it, yup. Like listening to a set of good headphones (I really got that feeling), yup. Like playing a synthesizer vs. hearing a recording of one, yup.
The sound clear, immediate, fast, nimble, precise, liquid. It is almost like the sound is playing faster than my brain can keep up with. And on these high-sensitivity speakers, ENDLESS power and dynamics. The speakers felt like they were pulled up close to me, the imaging was wider, taller, deeper. Also on a technical note, zero background hum or hiss (something I can't say for the Decware).
I'll make a quick reality check to say I HATE bright sound - and while this amp certainly brings endless high frequency energy, not once was I wincing or wanting to turn it down for being bright or shrill. This also means a product that tries to sound 'lively' by being bright is immediately on my naughty list. I think this amp would be a disaster with a bad source, the wrong speakers.
While I still like my other big amps, this one is special, and I have a LOT more listening to do.
I was not expecting this outcome, and that is not a bad thing!
Indeed! I've had things that have sounded different, better - but never anything that just folded my ears inside-out like this. I like it!
Now you are probably going to say something like 'well if you like that, I bet you'd like building...' Monster...
Now you are probably going to say something like 'well if you like that, I bet you'd like building...' Monster...
Aleph is one of the goalposts in the Firstwatt lineup. It's the most romantic, the most beguiling, lush without losing focus or getting too soft around the edges.
There's a reason I like to say, "Everybody needs to build an Aleph."
You now know why.
There's a reason I like to say, "Everybody needs to build an Aleph."
You now know why.
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This puts a smile on my face because it has happened to me with several Pass builds and I'm never expecting it. I did the nastiest F6 P2P you've ever seen, total rat's nest, just to see if I could get a workable circuit in an afternoon. By 3am I was wondering what just happened after spending all night exploring female vocals on youtube. Same thing with ACA mini. Just whipped one together and was floored at how nice it sounded. Everything ends up converging around these amps, at least for me anyway.
OK update. Been running the amp non-stop, lots of cycles to make sure nothing wants to fail, and so far it's perfect.
I'm in a pretty rotten mood after a long week of BS at work and all that...so that is the real test. My god, what a sweet, beautiful thing this amp is. I only shut it down because I need to go to bed early so I am not a wreck for my early flight to LAX on Sunday morning (decent bedtime on Saturday). Even some fairly nasty, dry, digital recordings are nice to listen to, and anything 'nice' is more than nice. Even though I have a fun vacation/work trip over the next week, I am excited to get back and listen to this amp more.
I'm in a pretty rotten mood after a long week of BS at work and all that...so that is the real test. My god, what a sweet, beautiful thing this amp is. I only shut it down because I need to go to bed early so I am not a wreck for my early flight to LAX on Sunday morning (decent bedtime on Saturday). Even some fairly nasty, dry, digital recordings are nice to listen to, and anything 'nice' is more than nice. Even though I have a fun vacation/work trip over the next week, I am excited to get back and listen to this amp more.