Current goal is to extract the best sound I can from this equipment. I had wanted to bi-amp my Revels, however members of this site have properly convinced me to leave the speakers alone and first work with my room treatments.
I really do need a better componet rack. Also, I wonder about the tone arm/cartridge interaction between Rega P5 and Benz L2.
The current hardware is the end product of trade ups, 23 years of Naval service and plenty of storage units. I came by my amp and speakers about two years ago.
I just want to enjoy what I have. Right now its still boxed up. I have to incorporate into my room.
Thank you for you input. I will seriously look into one of the Aleph or First Watt's. I can not believe I never considered them. I guess I was overly curious about using tubes, and not really audio savy enough to know about level matching.
Thank you for helping me re-think some things. How about your system? Do you want or plan any upgrades or additions?
The First Watt amps are lower powered but for a tweeter it would be fine, and I think the FW5 is up their most powerful.
Another option for the highs, and my favorite Nelson amp is the Aleph J, released in about '04. It is popular by horn lovers because of the very low distortion that horns can magnify. It is essentially an Aleph 3, in a Aleph 30 chassis, w/ a low distortion J-FET front end. It has a tube like sound and 60wpc. They show up on Audiogon from time to time. It is the very best of the Alephs (according to Nelson) and should make your tweeters sing while blending w/ your Aleph 2s for the lows.
No I never thought of it. Mostly because of difference in WPC. Although I could not tell you what the first watt amps rate. That sounds like a very good idea. I just have to find one to audition. I do worry about level matching. I could find no documentation on the Aleph2 that listed its level stat.
Have you considered on of Nelson's First Watt amps for the highs. They are smoother and sweeter than the Aleph series and would integrate into your system for sure.
Hello and thank you for looking and your comments.
I chose the Jolida based on some obscure reviews I found on-line about 3 years ago. I was also looking at the Underwood HiFi site and found they specialized in mods of various manufactures equipment. I saw the Jolida mod and could afford JD9A with mod level 2. Have been very happy with the buy. But I know I can make the entire system sound better if I imporve my room and perhaps the power amp. I do love the Pass Aleph2 I am curious as to how the system would sound in one of 2 configurations.
1. Using Aleph to power the top end of Studios and a good SS amp on the bottom.
2. Aleph2 on the bottom and a good tube amp for top end. My problem is I can not find either amp to match the Pass.
I'm veiwing your system after you commented on my system. Nice, nice, nice.
I love Pass' older gear, and owned a Aleph 30 with a AES DJH tube preamp years ago until I dismantled it for financial reasons. That system is still clear in my mind as my favorite. You can't beat your Pass pre/power combo for the money.
How did you choose the Jolida phono over others? Wow to your P5/L2.
