Pass Aleph 1.2 monos- do they have any 'soul'?


The Pass Aleph 1.2 monos are on my shortlist for SS monos. Who has 'em or has heard 'em? Do they sound 'tubelike' as many often assert about the Aleph amps? For those that HAVE heard the 1.2's, are there any SS monoblocks that you have liked MORE (<=$6k new or used). Also- are the 1.2's 'space heaters' if you want to leave 'em on 24/7?. My room is ~20'x20' with openings; speaker is Coincident Total Victory. **I used to own a Theta Dreadnaught, which was good SS as well- would also be interested in a comparison. Thx!
sutts
I own a pair of 1.2's and find that they can be quite captivating and involving - they can really draw you into the music. As mentioned above, they don't sound like tubes exactly, but have a lot more body and focus than many SS amps and more sheer drive capacity than tube amps. They can stand on their own merits.

They don't have the ultimate bass slam, but I would in no way say they are bass-shy. The bass they produce is very detailed and tuneful.

Each amp draws 600 watts continuously from the AC line, and most of it comes back as heat. It's like having a 1200 watt space heater running in your room. Continuous operation is not a really practical.

The 1.2's sound better after about an hour of warm up and will to continue to improve slightly over the next few hours of operation.

The cooling fins are sharp - don't put the amps where someone can accidently brush against them - they'll draw blood.

I think that the Aleph 1.2's are great amps.

BTW, they are driving a pair of Apogee Duetta Signatures.
Thanks everyone for chipping in with your thoughts on this one. Re: the electricity usage, we live in a condo, and pay one 'common' fee, so I can use as much as I want and it's always the same cost- not that I am advocating wasting electricity, but it's not as if I would pay any more to have them on all the time.

I believe I have come to the conclusion based on research and testing different amps in my system that a well-designed set of tube monoblocks seem tough to beat for musicality, but it's great to see that some of you have found some magic with solid state- and I have also found that really well-designed SS amps can be extremely enjoyable.

A guy I trust has told me that the Aleph 1.2's are really fantastic amplifiers, and I was seriously considering them, but the responses seem to be unanimous (and Nelson Pass himself chipped in today when I asked him the same question)- these are not really meant to be '24/7' amps, due to the high electricity usage and class a heat production. Sounds like they would be excellent in a larger room/dedicated 2-ch system with medium-efficiency full-range speakers.

Once again- thanks so much to everyone who responded- this is an example of the why I find this an excellent informational resource and such a great community we have here at the 'Gon- good listening everyone!
As a current owner of a Pass Aleph amp I can agree with all the comments,it runs HOT HOT HOT,a very industrial design,strengths is it pure neutrality and warmth,vast soundstaging and creates a realistic presentation.Power does seem to be overstated and its not a great bass slam amp,needs sensitive speakers.