X-Series vs. Aleph

[wuffwaff]

Hi,

did anybody ever compare an x-series with an Aleph?
A few years ago I had an Aleph 0s at home for 2 weeks or so. It really impressed me (more than some big american competitors) with it´s sound. Recently I´ve tried an X150 (also for 2 weeks). Although this also sounded fine, it didn´t impress me as much as the Aleph did.
Of course this is just a comparison between 1 model of each series with a lot of time in between but maybe somebody else has made similar observations with different models?

william

 

[Nelson Pass]

All other things equal, the X amps have more dynamic
range and more control in the bottom end, while the
Alephs are warmer in the mid and a little sweeter on
the top. If I only needed a few watts, I would tend to
pick an Aleph, but if I needed more power, an X.

At CES tomorrow we will show the XA200, which is
an Aleph Single-ended Class A output stage mated to
an X front end in what I refer to as "balanced singled-
ended" (an oxymoron if there ever was one).

My experience with the prototypes and initial product
is that it comes very close to delivering the best of
both worlds, and is the best yet from us.

Recently Grey speculatively worked up a schematic of such
a creature, but he hasn't tested it yet. At my request he
graciously held off publishing it until our product
announcement.

I anticipate that he will release it soon, particularly if
you all begin clamoring for it.

 

[GRollins]

Mum's the word...cat got my tongue...

Grey

 

[Won]

Clamor, clamor...

 

[Dave]

I was wondering when someone would bring the two together. I'm sure it will be a stunning amp.

 

[paulb]

Clamor, clamor...

 

[mlloyd1]

clamour, clamour, clamour, ....

mlloyd1

(who's also angry he doesn't get to go to CES and see/hear the new Pass amp for himself )

 

[AudioFreak]

I've been thinking about such a beast for a while also .... clamor, clamor, clamor.

 

[paulb]

So, I worked for Nortel Networks for years, and they always sent a design team to CES along with the marketing doofuses (doofi?). Never got to go (never really wanted to).
Now I'm disappointed I can't see and hear this new amp and perhaps even meet Nelson.
Now I work for Panasonic. CES? I don't think so...

 

[wuffwaff]

Nelson,

your description of the differences about fits what I experienced. I even thought the Aleph showing more inner details throughout the frequency range.

william

oh almost forgot: clamor, clamor, clamor

 

[Jakeh]

Now this sounds possibly like my holy grail - , simplicity of SE class A but with low distortion, power and efficiency. All those days of dithering about choice of amp to build could be over. Desperate clamouring from me, Grey...

Jake

 

[mlloyd1]

paulb:

I used to go every year when they had the summer CES in Chicago. Sometimes I would go on my own dime if I visited more than a day ... but it was at most a one hour drive

Now that it's in Las Vegas only and my company won't even pay for us to go to the bathroom, I just have fond memories.
I met quite a few of the designers over the years, but missed Nelson!

Somebody go and take a picture, I don't even know if maybe I've seen him and just didn't know.

mlloyd1

 

[AudioFreak]

Now this sounds possibly like my holy grail - , simplicity of SE class A but with low distortion, power and efficiency. All those days of dithering about choice of amp to build could be over. Desperate clamouring from me, Grey...

Jake

Well just remember that the output is still single ended Class A albeit in bridged configuration so it wont be that efficient.

 

[Jakeh]

It should have read "relative" efficiency, but my values have been distorted by this forum.

Jake

 

[AudioFreak]

I agree.... spend enough time around here and 20% begins to sound good.

 

[AudioFreak]

Does anyone know which Aleph output stage mr. pass has paired with the X front end? Is it the the quasi single ended or the true single ended design seen in the later model alephs??? I suspect it is the latter.

 

[FEThead]

clamor clamor

 

[Nelson Pass]

It would be the "latter" which is the schematic
in the patent #5,710,522. You can see this on
our web site as the front page of the patent or
in the Aleph service manuals: Aleph 1.2, 2, 3, 5 etc.

 

[AudioFreak]

Thanks Nelson. I was hoping you'd say that.

 

[AudioFreak]

Grey, just a suggestion for your X-Aleph project .... given the differential nature of the beast I'd be very keen to develop a circuit with no overall feedback. After I finish with the 4 or so projects that are currently occupying my time and financial resources i'll be doing exactly this.