What a dilemma !
I've had an Aleph 4 (clone) for a long time and thoroughly love it.
I recently converted it to balanced operation and have paired it with an Aleph P1.7 (clone).
Whilst going through my spares bin I found enough components to build an Aleph J (clone).
Now I've got them both working I'm undecided which one to keep.
The Aleph 4 does have more punch when running at full power, and yes occasionally I do run it at 100W.
However, the difference between the 25W Aleph J and the 100W Aleph 4 is really marginal and is probably not audible at those volumes.
The Aleph J uses considerably less power and in my instance runs at a very cool 40C - the heatsinks are enormous. The Aleph 4 runs at about 60C.
I've not seen a review where anyone has compared the two.
The Aleph 4 did cook its PSU but now has a remote PSU. The Aleph J is self contained.
The two amplifiers are both really pleasant to listen to.
I do feel that the Aleph J is the better of the two at normal low level listening level, which is where it is normally used.
I'm listening with a pair of B&W CM8 Series 2 speakers.
I'm an advocate of having NOTHING in the speaker path, no relays.
One thing I do notice is that the Aleph 4 retires more gracefully than the Aleph J. Neither are terrible though.
I've had an Aleph 4 (clone) for a long time and thoroughly love it.
I recently converted it to balanced operation and have paired it with an Aleph P1.7 (clone).
Whilst going through my spares bin I found enough components to build an Aleph J (clone).
Now I've got them both working I'm undecided which one to keep.
The Aleph 4 does have more punch when running at full power, and yes occasionally I do run it at 100W.
However, the difference between the 25W Aleph J and the 100W Aleph 4 is really marginal and is probably not audible at those volumes.
The Aleph J uses considerably less power and in my instance runs at a very cool 40C - the heatsinks are enormous. The Aleph 4 runs at about 60C.
I've not seen a review where anyone has compared the two.
The Aleph 4 did cook its PSU but now has a remote PSU. The Aleph J is self contained.
The two amplifiers are both really pleasant to listen to.
I do feel that the Aleph J is the better of the two at normal low level listening level, which is where it is normally used.
I'm listening with a pair of B&W CM8 Series 2 speakers.
I'm an advocate of having NOTHING in the speaker path, no relays.
One thing I do notice is that the Aleph 4 retires more gracefully than the Aleph J. Neither are terrible though.
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I probably will keep them both as they both have their advantages.
The post was really to see if anyone has ever reviewed them together.
The post was really to see if anyone has ever reviewed them together.
I did have the Aleph 4 in unbalanced mode coupled with a B1 but always felt that it wasn't producing its full output.
It's much better with the P1.7 in balanced mode.
I've not heard of the M2 ?
It's much better with the P1.7 in balanced mode.
I've not heard of the M2 ?
It's an excellent amp imho.
FIRST WATT
[url]https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/281520-official-m2-schematic.html
FIRST WATT
[url]https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/pass-labs/281520-official-m2-schematic.html
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Why don't you increase the bias on your Aleph J? This will allow it to produce more output current and the output devices will be biased to a more linear working point.
I've not found it necessary to increase the bias. Under normal listening it's quite adequate.
Was the Aleph 4 a true N.P. design ? It seems to have broken away from the usual 25W mould.
The Aleph J does seem to sound better at normal low listening levels which is the normal First Watt principle.
Was the Aleph 4 a true N.P. design ? It seems to have broken away from the usual 25W mould.
The Aleph J does seem to sound better at normal low listening levels which is the normal First Watt principle.
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historically, NP made FW format of case/PSU/dissipation/max power when he formed FW
Aleph 4 is PL product, preceding FW
Aleph 4 is PL product, preceding FW
After a few hours of listening the Aleph J is winning me over.
The Aleph 4 seems a bit harsh even though it has been my favourite for many years.
I must admit that I embarked on the Aleph J as it renowned to have a more "valve" like sound.
The B&W CM8 S2's are a complex load but it does sound lovely.
The Aleph 4 seems a bit harsh even though it has been my favourite for many years.
I must admit that I embarked on the Aleph J as it renowned to have a more "valve" like sound.
The B&W CM8 S2's are a complex load but it does sound lovely.
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I built this one out of a pair of dead LED light fittings. I've got another pair of scrap fittings if anyone wants them.
These heatsinks run at very low 40C, well over spec'd for any of the FW amps.
These heatsinks run at very low 40C, well over spec'd for any of the FW amps.
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Hmmm....these are your hand crafted babies so what the ‘ell are you doing asking a bunch of strangers on the ‘net which one YOU should like best, and with loser to be viscously terminated no less! This is no way to carry on, you gotta keep ‘em both 😀
Or with your extra tower, build M2 boards, put one in each case, one AlephJ in each case, switch to direct power supply.
Now you have both M2 and AlephJ as mono blocks. (Just not at same time.) I am about to convert my AlephJ and M2 like this.
Russellc
Now you have both M2 and AlephJ as mono blocks. (Just not at same time.) I am about to convert my AlephJ and M2 like this.
Russellc
Nothing can beat the design of the original Pass Aleph.
It should be nominated to MOMA permanent collection!
Dieter Rams. Audio Amplifier (model CSV 13). 1961 | MoMA
It should be nominated to MOMA permanent collection!
Dieter Rams. Audio Amplifier (model CSV 13). 1961 | MoMA
The Aleph 4 is VERY GOOD but I do feel that the Aleph J is better at lower listening levels.