this preamplifier makes a simply flawless interface with any of the aleph series of power amplifiers ( i am presently using an aleph 4 ). its build quality is nothing short of amazing as is true for its sonic characteristics as well !!!!! Nelson Pass is one of the finest audio amplifier designers that has ever lived and represents the essence of integrity in an often very misleading industry......

NONE

exemplary in ALL respects !!!!!

Similar Products Used:

used in conjunction with the aleph 4

Ultra transparent and very quiet

Odd controls, not enough inputs, a polarity switch would be nice. As far as sonics, may not be the last word in bass dynamics

This is a special pre-amp, both because it sounds wonderful, and is downright an oddball design. Not the most user friendly, and you definately have to read the manual. But its ability to provide first rate sound, mid-bass, and up, is beyonf reproach. I've listened to the CJ ART, and for my $$, the P kills the ART. Also superior in most respects, sonically, to the Bryston BP25P, except there's no getting around the fact that the Bryston is more dynamic, having a degree of bass slam the P lacks. Still, a fine product, and a very good buy on the used market.

Similar Products Used:

Bryston BP25P

extreme transparency,low level detail,very very quiet,build quality

none

No detectable noise & no electronic signature - isn't that what pre-amps are all about?
Reputation of designer Nelson Pass goes from strength to strength with this reference pre amp. All four inputs are balanced/phono. Independent channel input gain controls to maximise amplification quality. Master gain oversees 256 relays to avoid signal distortion. Remote is solid cast aluminium (weighs about 400g!)and pre-amp casing is one half inch thick cast aluminium (minimises influences on circuit capacitance etc)- build quality to survive thermonuclear war. Excellent synergy with pure class A (push) Aleph power amp.

Associated equipment:

Sugden Masterclass CD into Kimber KS1130 balanced
JPS Balanced Superconductor 2 into Aleph 4 stereo power amp
Kimber BiFocal XL into ProAc Future 2's
Power cables: JPS PowerAC & JPS Digital AC

When I was contemplating what components I would use for my "dream system", I knew that the Krell FPB200, Martin Logan reQuest and the Krell KAV300CD would be members. I liked the Krell KRC-3, but was looking for a pre-amplification component to provide maximum neutrality and transparency. I purchased the Pass Labs Aleph P based on reviews I read in Stereophile Magazine. Their statement that "If you value clarity and transparency of everything else" is what sold me. I will state that it is the quietest pre-amp I have heard. Even at high volume levels with no input, it is totally silent.
It provides a sense of openess and space that surpasses what I heard from the other models, including the KRC-3. On recordings like " A twist of Jobim", you can clearly hear Al Jareau inhale between phrases and feel a wisp of breath from Oleta Adams as she sings "Waters of March". It really is outstanding on all recording, but will also show the shortcomings in any CD.

This is truly a fine component worthy of high consideration for anyone searching for the last word in openess, clarity and transparency.

Components:
Krell FPB 200
Pass Labs Aleph P
Krell KAV 300 CD
Martin-Logan reQuest
D Lin Silver Bullet 6.0 ( a outstanding balanced interconnect )
MIT Terminator 2 cables ( on their way out... )

I purchased the Pass Aleph P after Adcom, Bryston, Aragon, McIntost and there is no comparison. Musicality, definition, smoothness, build quality (superb), bass reproduction etc. Inspired me to buy a Pass Amp (Aleph 5) also thrilled with it.

Purchased this preamp because I'd heard it in conjunction with an Aleph 3 amp.The most 3-dimensional combo I'd ever heard. Due to output considerations I ended up with an Aleph 5 + the P. The P makes a great partner to a Pass amp
(although you hopefully won't realise it's there). So - as transparent as you could wish for.
P.S. It also drives headphones beautifully from the unbalanced outputs (once you get the connections sorted).

Build quality, simple yet effective circuitry (I did take the cover off & look inside and must say it is a very clean layout) , customer support.

out of production, so there are fewer available

I was going to start this review with a reply for the individual who thinks the Adcom is a superior unit, but that statement says it all. He thinks it is, and as everyone knows, all these reviews are a subjective analysis.
With that said, let me move on to the review by saying the Pass Labs Aleph P is a remarkable piece of equipment. My $1,600.00 price tag includes a $500.00 total refurbishing & upgrade from Pass Labs. All the case metal (knobs too) were replaced along with the RCA & XLR connectors. The unit was completely looked over, bench tested & repairs made as necessary. I sent the "P" to them because one of the inputs didn't work & decided to do the refurb because of all the scratches (sometimes used is abused). The scratches were all superficial, but it was hard to look at such a nice piece of equipment in that condition. Anyway, Peter Perkins over at Pass answered all of my questions & was extremely helpful in all aspects of this endeavor. It was truly a joy to deal with this company through him.
I really liked the sound of the Cary, as it took the edge off the SS amp. It was warm & smooth. In comparison, the "P" provided more detail, a taller & deeper soundstage, more bass impact along with bass clarity & a naturalness the Cary didn't possess. Imaging is precise & vocals, especially female, have a quality comparable to live music, which I listen to every week. This comparison was while hooked to a Bryston 4B ST. I have since changed amps to the Aleph 5, and the combination is, in short, very natural & extremely musical. As an example, on one CD that I listen to a lot, the backing vocals sound real, as opposed to just being merely in the background. They have body, texture & air. I know "real" is not the superlative some would use, but it exemplifies what this equipment does. It brings the CD to life. This pre-amp has raised the level of my system to new heights for less than half the price of a new unit.
I should also mention the source I use, a Meridian 506.24, which even though it only has RCA outs is essentially balanced because I'm using converting interconnects (RCA to XLR). The speakers are the weak link in my system, but I need a new car, so the ones I have (Unity Audio) will have to do for now.
The value rating is for the price I paid (4 stars-great deal), not for the retail price. I think most high end gear is overpriced, so that's why I buy used. The overall rating is for what this does individually & for your system. It says: 5 stars-Far better than you imagined.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom, Luxman, Cary

Transparency, soundstage width, depth, quickness.

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Perennial Stereophile A for one very good reason. The Aleph P is as good as solid state preamplification gets, and current models are available as steals at $1400 for non remote units.

If you're looking for a great preamp, look no further!

Similar Products Used:

BAT, Coda, Plinius, Threshold preamps.