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Is anything better than Aleph 3?

I do not know if I would consider myself TRUE audiophile but I have been in this hobby for a long time although for the last few years I had no time for it but getting in the game again :)

I have heard a lot of solid state amps but I only heard Rogue Audio as tube amp. I always felt like it would be a pain to deal with the tubes but frankly I just have this conception from what I read/heard from people here and there. Right now I am considering tube amps so that I can have a sound like my good old Aleph 3. I used to have this amp and did not hear anything like it so far. I do not have fancy words to explain it but that thing was so sweet. The midrange was so smooth/soft, I could almost see the airy sound that was coming from the speakers with that amp. Yes, it did not have the best bass but that was not my concern too much. However, that thing was getting TOO hot and it was adding extra cost to the electric bill.

I have been trying to find someone who had an experience with the Aleph 3 and had a chance to compare it to the other amps. I have read some people telling Golden Tube SE-40 (yes I heard about the reliability issues) is the same or better. This other guy saying Onkyo A-9555 is better sounding amp than the Aleph 3. Could this be true?

You can tell that I do not want to spend a fortune but I could go up to $1500 for an amp that I can get the sound of an Aleph 3. Sure, I can get the Aleph 3 again but the heat and power consumption is a lot. Also, I am trying to see if I can like any other amp better than the Aleph 3.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
celo
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Celo, I don't think you can go wrong with the Alephs or the Aleph J if you are looking for that midrange you liked, and hard to get from some SS. If you are really consider tubes as an alternative in the 30 watt range, I would consider the Music Reference RM10 which is one of the finest amps I have heard when 35 watts is enough. They are highly reliable and get 10,000 hours or so from their output tubes (EL84). I do love the Class A Pass gear, but you know, they are still not tubes, and if you like what tubes can do even the Pass gear doesn't quite do that. But for SS, I've not heard better than Pass gear, especially the Class A stuff like the Aleph.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Most amps can sound lousy if improperly matched to a speaker.

That S-30 in question would be horrible with a pair of Maggies for example.

The Aleph 3 is, IMO, a bargain at its' current used price but it's imperative to select the correct speaker.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Audiofeil points out one of the most important things to know about amps and speakers, and no question he is right. That being said, I still think that when properly matched, the First Watt Aleph J was a step forward from the original Aleph series (thought limited to 30 watts), it simply does bass better, and is easier to match with tube preamps. Still, I stick to what I said, if you want tube sound, you need tubes. And since he mentioned Atma-sphere, I don't think there is anything better than an OTL with properly matched speakers (highish and flatish impedance)
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
I have two questions please.

1) Why is "warm" or even "hot" such a deal breaker? Televisions get warm, kitchens get hot, cars and motorbikes get warm and hot. For a great amp, I am happy to remove a layer of clothing.

2) Would any of these designs work well with the new Harbeth mini monitor?

I am looking for a standardized solution for multiple desktops at work and home, where I can listen with fatigue free midrange all day, every day.

Thank you,
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