Pass 5 : good points: fantastic sound-stage, very deep and spacious; smooth and detailed mid-range; deep fast bass (much better than the tube amps that I've tried); very open sounding. Perfect for classical/acoustic music.bad points: runs very hot; takes about an hour after switching-on before it sounds its best; a bit short of power if you like your music very very loud; hard to connect to speaker cables (poor access in the back); not immediate and punchy enough (with my speakers) for pop/rock music (a bit too distant and laid-back); difficult to physicaly handle (nothing to grab on to).
5 stars for classical, 4 for pop
associate equipments: ProAc response 2.5 speakers, EAD Theatermaster Ovation pre & D/A converter, EAD Ultradisc 2000 cd player, Nordost Blue heaven cables.

I've been building hybrid Electrostatic/Transmission-line speakers to replacethe homebrews I built 25 years ago. Troubled with the reactive loading on my
current amp, I decided to try out the Aleph 5. I haven't quite finished the
cabinets but bought the amp to prepare and try out on my very familiar sounding
speakers. I was always skeptical that one good quality amp would sound
significantly different than another, but I was awestruck!

The sound was distintively different. Listening tests over several days didn't
diminish my listening pleasure. Each instrument became clear and distinct. In
one familiar piece both my son and I both heard a new instrument that was
blurred into the background previously. The bass was tight and controlled and the midrange was smooth and pleasing.

There are a few drawbacks of the Aleph-5:

1) Quiescent power consumption is high (300 watts).
2) There is a long warm-up time (at least 1 hour for best sound).
3) It has a short Mean-time-before failure (10 years to 50 years based upon
use).

But it sounds great... or rather it doesn't add any sound to the music, so the
music comes cleanly through.

Holographic sound stage, transparency, speed and rhythm.

None

I have to say this amp is fantastic. I could explain about the enjoyment it gives me to listen to it.The way instruments hang in mid air. Its transparent rhythmic sound that gets that right toe tapping.
No,instead, I am going to tell you; 'Just go out and get one!'
It will be the best audiophile investment that you will ever make.
Don't listen to me, just read all the other reviews on this page.

This is definitely a best buy and warrants in excess of 5 stars.

nice relaxed almost tube like,great fun,looks sensational (thats the actual reason i bought it)

bass, gets very hot, hard to wire xlo signature 5.1 speaker cable or to even bi-wire the amp.

Nice amp very powerful for only 60watts
smooth warm tube sound with great width.
perfect match for my VR4.5 speakers
Not the worlds best for ultimate detail or cleaness compared to the krell fpb600 but for the price its a really good amp to have
it really gets your foot tapping

a joy to listen to

solid states version of a tube amp

Similar Products Used:

VK200