Musical Fidelity A3 or Pass Labs Aleph 30


Due to my location I'm unable to audition both amplifier. I'm using a Triangle Titus in a 13x16 room, would prefer neutrality and/or purity of sound above anything else(got tired of the home theater stuff). Can anyone make a direct comparison between the two, or recommend a better amplifier around $1000-$1500 range(new or used), that will go well with the Titus.
I appreciate any/all inputs,
garydelros
Pairing the Triangle's with an MF product will result in an overtly lean presentation in my opinion. The Aleph will surely sound warmer and fuller but it too lacks the extreme bottom end. If i had to choose between the two of them with your specific speakers, the Aleph would win.

Other than that, why not list some of your other support components, the types of music that you listen to, etc... It might give others enough info to make suitable reccomendations. Sean
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I had Titus 202's, and tried them both with a MF A3cr and an Aleph 3. The Aleph definitely sounded better - warmer, more well rounded.
Presently, I'm using a Yamaha receiver and a Titus/Bose for front /sourround. I want to set-up a second separate system in which i could just sit back relax and enjoy good music, even on low level volume.

I mostly listen to soft, jazz, R&B, acoustics, classic, vocals. Would like to start off with an amplifier-speaker combination, around $2k budget. Found an Aleph 30 for $1399 and $1099 for the A3cr(audiogon). Would prefer a front ported bookshelf speaker, as space is an important cosideration(and also, i'm not bass freak).

Any suggestions, best music for around $2k.

Hi Garydelros!
You might wanna try some tube amps with the Triangle's (Jolida have some very "nice price" ones). You can get good results with ss amps (especially with Pass Aleph series), but Triangle's love tube amps...and when you hear such a combo you might love it too!
I've auditioned/owned some ss amps (Densen DM10, YBA Integre DT to mention some of the best) but the "magical" combination was always with tube amps (Copland CTA 401 and especially Unison Research S6 -to mention some).
Cheers!
You might look for a bigger used Aleph say the 5, it would still fit your budget but it will take a month maybe to find the right one. There was one on E-bay and perhaps still is. The Aleph will kill the A3, and it's choke the current technology that the writers are all hung up on.

jeff
Thank you guys for all your input. I've made my choice, I'm going to get the Aleph.

Now, if only I can get a nice(inexpensive) tube pre-amp to warm it a little bit. Can i pair it with a tube pre-amp?

I'm thinking of a Decware ZSLA-1 a triode line stage pre-amp. Any input? Anything better?(no bells and wistles like Decware) around $500.

Gary
I don't think that you'll find the Aleph lacking in warmth, but more-so in bottom end extension and "slam". Sean
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Gary,

Tube preamp might not be a good idea
1. no need to add warmth to Aleph as mentioned by Sean
2. The output impedance of tube preamp normally is too high for Aleph!
My 2 cents !
CDMA: A VTL (2.5 or 5.5) has an output impedance of only 200 ohms. I'm using a 2.5 with the Aleph 30 which has in input of 47 kohms, putting you well w/in the 10/100 ratio. Enjoying the set up very much.
If the Aleph 30 has a rating of 47 kohms, what would be the optimum output impedance for a pre-amp?
Gary: The way I understand the 10/100 "rule," the preamp output should be around 470 ohms. However, this doesn't mean that, say, the Rogue 66 (650 ohms) wouldn't work out just fine; listening is the key. If you have the funds, it might not be such a bad idea to buy a couple of used preamps on Audiogon and try out each one for a couple of weeks. Most of the common brands are really good: Cary, CJ, VTL, Rogue, etc (reliability really shouldn't be an issue if you're careful--no hot swapping!). Each has its own sound signature. Keep the best one; you can most likely sell the runners-up for about what you paid for them.

What I like about the Aleph 30 and the VTL combo is this: Pass wanted the 30 to be more workable for tube preamps; VTL wanted the 2.5 and 5.5 to be more compatible with ss power amps. Theoretically, this particular combo should be synergistically ideal. Sure, it's theory, but my early applications have been enjoyable. In fact, things are really starting to settle in nicely as I approach about 25 hours of listening time. I think that things will get even better with more listening.

No matter what you try, have fun--avoid frustration. Remember, this is F-U-N. Have a good time experimenting!

John
Wasn't it 1 to 10 rule?
If the aleph 30 is 47000 ohms (47 Kohms) the highest preamp value shouldn't be 4700 Ohms ?

When this true you have plenty of chance of combination.
By the way I understood that should be the safe zone ratio and having a pre in the range of 800-1000 ohms will be even more safe I guess.
I traded an a3cr power amp in for a much superior listening experience with aleph 30, 50 -75% more detail, texture and no edge at all. Engaging throughout any music signal. The a3cr was quite, great slam but 90% of the time too laid back and distorting the signal with a/b operation which caused me a lot of restlessness waitng for the dynamics only as relief. Class a aleph oozes all the music out with untouchable finesse in all critical areas of playback which equals long listening sessions and funds well spent!
WHEN SAM TELLIG REVIEWED THE CELIUS SPEAKER, HE SAID HE TRIED THE MUSICAL FIDELITY AMP BUT DID NOT REPORT HIS CONCLUSIONS ALTHOUGH HIS OTHER AMP ATTEMPTS WERE.
I USED TWO ALEPH 30'S, ONE FOR EACH SPEAKER WHEN I HAD THE TRIANGLES. TOP TO BOTTOM THE SOUND WAS VERY GOOD. THE ALEPH 30 IS VERY GOOD W/SOUND PURITY (TONAL SHADINGS, ETC) BUT FRONT TO BACK DEPTH IS STILL SOLID STATE. NO PROBLEMS W/BASS CONTROL. TREBLE IS OPEN & DETAILED, W/O GRAIN. OF COURSE THEY SHINE ON MIDRANGE.
I SOLD THE CELIUS BECAUSE OF CONGESTION & HARDNESS @ HIGHER SPL'S. I AM NOW USING THE SHAMROCK EIRES. THE SHAMROCK SENSITIVITY IS DOWN 7-8 DB vs THE CELIUS, SO I AM USING THE BEDINI CLASSIC 100'S. ALL IS NOW GOOD.
NEW, ONLY A/V LOGIC HAS THE ALEPH 30. THE MUSICAL FIDELITY AMP MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE 308 SERIES. GALEN CAROL SOLD BOTH & SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE MORE INSIGHT.
SADLY, I PLAN TO SELL BOTH MY ALEPH 30'S (PASS WILL NOT CHANGE MY AMPS TO THE MONO 60'S).
HOPE THIS HELPS,
DAVE
hi gary.try the audible illusions modulus3a.or try the L-1 it is the same thing with no phono stage.it was class a from sterophile.and it does not cost alot.when the preamp is isolated it a great together.good luck.