While I do believe that amp stands offer some improvements, I do not buy some of the hype I hear posted all over the web. I cconsidered buying a pair of the Aleph 2 units, but I agree with you that the Aleph 3 sounds better. The 2 sounded a little cool (lean if you will) even after warming up for over 2 hours. This was store demo on loan to me so it was fully broken in. The Plinius and even the monarchy SE100 Delux sounded much better than the Aleph 2. It should be noted that the Aleph 2 did seem to have more dynamic range than the Monarchy. Trust your own ears, prestige and cost don't always mean better audio. Mike
Amp stands- Do they work?
I recently purchased a Pass Aleph 3 and loved it so much that I "had to buy" a pair of the Aleph 2 monoblocks. I have been A/B-ing them at my home for the last 3 weeks for most of my free time. The 2s have a lot more presence, but lack the for lack of better words "musical reality" the 3 has. Forgive me for the term, but if you've heard the 3, then you probably understand. Anyway, I have asked most of the guys at Pass Labs and they essentially tell me I am hearing things- that the 2s "have all the sonic characteristics of the 3, just more of it" I have eliminated all other variables except that the 3 is on the bottom of my rack (Salamander Archetype), and the 2's are on the carpet in front of my system. I am interested in anyone's input as to the impact a reasonable stand might have on the sonics of my amps. I currently am acting on this hypothesis and have put the 3 on the floor next to the 2's. If it is of any help the components are in order- my source is a Muse Model 5 transport, Illuminati D-60 digital, EAD 7000 MkIII D/A, Kimber KCAG, Muse Model 3 preamp, WBT 5151 -great cable!!!!!, Pass Amps, Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable, B&W 804s. Counterpoint PAC-5 conditioner, API Power Wedge 4A conditioner. Marigo RMX ref power cables. Amps are using stock power cables- Nelson Pass's recommendation. Thanks for listening and I look forward to any input.