I had a Pass 30 and very much enjoyed it. Now into tubes, so not sure I'd equate "tube-like" with what tubes do/sound like, even entry-level tubes (eg, Sophia Baby). Regardless, the Pass 30 is a nice amp, and you shouldn't be disappointed.
Aleph 3 vs. Aleph 30 volksamp , or Aleph 5
My next amp will be an Aleph. I'm interested in opinions. My goal are the 'pure,' tuhe-like quality of these amps. Accurate soundstage and something that would reproduce acoustic material well. The 3, and the 30 are similar, the 3 having a more unorthodox square heatsink design. Simply, which sounds better. I'll be driving a pair of 4ohm, DIY MTM's of my own design using Scanspeak 5" revelators and an Espeakers G3(ribbon length of about 5 inches. I'll eventually get a tube pre of decent quality. I have a BAT in mind.
Also, to get a little more power, I'm considering the Aleph 5 which I believe is 60W into 8 ohms, and probably 90W into 4 ohms. Would the Aleph 5 sacrificing a little sound quality for a little more power. It has more mosfets, hence slightly less simple and pure in design from the lower power Alephs.
Lastly, the MTM's will be electrically crossed over above 70 to 90 hz. depending on placement and room interaction. So, these little amps will have a little less strain by not reproducing sub=bass.
Also, to get a little more power, I'm considering the Aleph 5 which I believe is 60W into 8 ohms, and probably 90W into 4 ohms. Would the Aleph 5 sacrificing a little sound quality for a little more power. It has more mosfets, hence slightly less simple and pure in design from the lower power Alephs.
Lastly, the MTM's will be electrically crossed over above 70 to 90 hz. depending on placement and room interaction. So, these little amps will have a little less strain by not reproducing sub=bass.