Last year, I build my girlfriend a system. First was an Akitika GT-102 and pair of Klipsch RP600M using a Douk Audio Bluetooth tube pre-amp. Cost was a consideration, and she was just getting her feet wet. This seemed like a nice compromise.
There's a ton of brass and vocals in her favorite music. Think Herb Alpert and Billie Holiday. This combination was a little harsh sometimes. I wanted to soften it up, so I built a preamp using the Glassware Aikido 12vac.
Though there's a TON of gain, the little Aikido produced the effect I was hoping for. Reproduction is smooth and velvety. We both like her system quite a bit - especially at the price point.
Skip ahead... I was looking for a quarantine project, and I've been wanted to experience a Pass amp for a long time. I set out to build an F6, but ended up building an Aleph J because I can't currently source the F6 input transformers. The Aleph J is almost done. I need to sort out an issue with one of the channels.
The working channel is sounding pretty darn good! I think this is the best solid state amp I've ever heard. My main system uses an MC275 to Fried G3's. It's difficult for me to tell in mono, but I think there's depth between the instruments the Mac doesn't quite produce. I'll need much more stereo listening to develop my opinion; but - so far I'm very impressed.
I have another set of speakers in my work area. They're the same Klipsch RP600M's I bought for my better half. I typically drive them with a Tubelab SE 300B I built a few years ago. Except for the bottom end dropping off way too soon, it's enjoyable.
Testing with the Aleph J, the Klipsch's seemed a little shouty. Maybe it's an insult to use an amp of this caliber with $550 speakers... But, it got me thinking of the improvement that Aikido pre made in the other system.
Is anyone using any Glassware line stages with their Aleph J? I'd like to hear your experience. I'd also like to have a discussion about Glassware input buffers with the Aleph J (considering the pre I built had so much gain). Lastly, I'd like to know if anyone has experienced that 12vac kit as well as an Octal kit. I was wondering what differences they experienced.
I'd be happy to start another thread about the Glassware comparisons if this is too much in one place.
There's a ton of brass and vocals in her favorite music. Think Herb Alpert and Billie Holiday. This combination was a little harsh sometimes. I wanted to soften it up, so I built a preamp using the Glassware Aikido 12vac.
Though there's a TON of gain, the little Aikido produced the effect I was hoping for. Reproduction is smooth and velvety. We both like her system quite a bit - especially at the price point.
Skip ahead... I was looking for a quarantine project, and I've been wanted to experience a Pass amp for a long time. I set out to build an F6, but ended up building an Aleph J because I can't currently source the F6 input transformers. The Aleph J is almost done. I need to sort out an issue with one of the channels.
The working channel is sounding pretty darn good! I think this is the best solid state amp I've ever heard. My main system uses an MC275 to Fried G3's. It's difficult for me to tell in mono, but I think there's depth between the instruments the Mac doesn't quite produce. I'll need much more stereo listening to develop my opinion; but - so far I'm very impressed.
I have another set of speakers in my work area. They're the same Klipsch RP600M's I bought for my better half. I typically drive them with a Tubelab SE 300B I built a few years ago. Except for the bottom end dropping off way too soon, it's enjoyable.
Testing with the Aleph J, the Klipsch's seemed a little shouty. Maybe it's an insult to use an amp of this caliber with $550 speakers... But, it got me thinking of the improvement that Aikido pre made in the other system.
Is anyone using any Glassware line stages with their Aleph J? I'd like to hear your experience. I'd also like to have a discussion about Glassware input buffers with the Aleph J (considering the pre I built had so much gain). Lastly, I'd like to know if anyone has experienced that 12vac kit as well as an Octal kit. I was wondering what differences they experienced.
I'd be happy to start another thread about the Glassware comparisons if this is too much in one place.
Just my opinion...I have not heard this combo.
Aleph J is happiest at 8 ohms and up. At 4 ohms it’s not gonna be happy.
Klipsch, although very efficient swing wildly in their impedance. Bass is probably not real linear with that amp. Ironic, I know. Everybody thinks klipsch are easy to drive. They are if you have the current. They are not if you don’t.
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com
So, a heavy 2nd harmonic preamp like the cheaper aikido will help. But it’s not really a solution. You will just be masking the treble and not improving the bass. Honestly, the pass Korg B1 is probably a better option if you want to go this route. More flexible, you can tune the distortion to your liking.
Aleph J is happiest at 8 ohms and up. At 4 ohms it’s not gonna be happy.
Klipsch, although very efficient swing wildly in their impedance. Bass is probably not real linear with that amp. Ironic, I know. Everybody thinks klipsch are easy to drive. They are if you have the current. They are not if you don’t.
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com
So, a heavy 2nd harmonic preamp like the cheaper aikido will help. But it’s not really a solution. You will just be masking the treble and not improving the bass. Honestly, the pass Korg B1 is probably a better option if you want to go this route. More flexible, you can tune the distortion to your liking.
Hikari1: Thanks for the feedback. I think the classic Klipsch speakers are easier to drive.
I did pre-order the Korg B1, but it looks like they may not ship until Q4 of this year. I was hoping to have another project before then; but I've been reading about the NuTube for a while now, and am very much looking forward to hearing one!
I did pre-order the Korg B1, but it looks like they may not ship until Q4 of this year. I was hoping to have another project before then; but I've been reading about the NuTube for a while now, and am very much looking forward to hearing one!
No, the classic Klipsch speakers are not. Very high efficient numbers but the bass also dips down low in impedance. They will get loud with very little wattage but as you have found out...at a price.
Also, horns are weird. Sometimes the way they are set up (toe-in, position in room, etc) really effects them. Klipsch have a reputation for shrillness...I don't necessarily think that is true, more like "forwardness" to me. I've heard Klipschhorns that were extremely diffuse and not shrill but it's a different sound for sure. I've had a couple pairs. They can rock.
The NuTube preamp is great. I have built half or so dozen preamps and the NuTube is probably my favorite. It has LOTS of gain though.
Honestly, if you are worried about gain just try an F4. Same chassis, same psu. No gain. If you have a hi gain preamp you wont need amplifier gain.
I was assuming they had flatter impedance curves. I stand corrected.
I see their sound as being more forward, also. My gf's listening room is about 3,400 cu ft. We spent little time tweaking placement before we found a toe-in and distance from the walls that was pleasing.
I didn't know you could drive an F4 with another amp. Some day, that would be a great experiment with my 300B!
I spend most of my time in an apartment, and can't have tremendous full range horns. Otherwise, I think I'd listen to the 300B's much more. The mids are stunning through them. I never knew I could place an amp after it and have more speaker options. Thanks for the tip!
I see their sound as being more forward, also. My gf's listening room is about 3,400 cu ft. We spent little time tweaking placement before we found a toe-in and distance from the walls that was pleasing.
I didn't know you could drive an F4 with another amp. Some day, that would be a great experiment with my 300B!
I spend most of my time in an apartment, and can't have tremendous full range horns. Otherwise, I think I'd listen to the 300B's much more. The mids are stunning through them. I never knew I could place an amp after it and have more speaker options. Thanks for the tip!