Aleph 3 safe to operate?

Get a variac and slowly ramp up the AC voltage over a day. Then use a multimeter to check the DC voltage on each speaker outputs. If the DC voltage is low - several millivolts then try a pair of speakers.

Keep the Stasis 3 for the bass. 

If the amp is brand new, there is no reason to use a variance,  just turn it on and enjoy it. Variance really not needed for a brand new item and the amp is not really that old to begin with. 

It could be at least 25 years old.

Thanks for the replies - I'm currently listening to a pair of Aleph 0 and now I'm REALLY not sure what to do. Anyone ever check the electric bill after a month of listening to these for four or so hours a day?

Jasonbourne, I do love the Stasis 3 but how well will it mesh with any of the Alephs? Would you use it over a pair of 3s for example?

Why don't you just contact Mr. Pass?

Bob

Not could be it is at least 25 years old a variac would be the best way to go about it but if you're willing to suck it and see just plug it in.

Email Nelson.. he'll give you the best advice.

Thanks all - I'll go with contacting Mr. Pass.  Appreciate all the good advice!

Take a look inside the amp, and check out the condition of the caps. If they look good (not swollen or leaking), and everything looks fine, hook up a cheap pair of speakers to it and turn it on. It should be fine if it appears to be a new amp. 

From the owners manual of the Aleph 3, easily found on line:  “the turn-on AC draw will peak (half-cycle) at roughly 50 amps on a 120 volt system”.

Also: “The amp will draw 250 watts from the wall at all times”

And:  “In fifteen years the electrolytic capacitors will get old.”

In view of this advice from the owners manual, I would definitely recommend you take the amp to a good technician who has the proper tools to bring that amp to life safely upon its first power on.  Since the amp is NOS, you have a good chance that it is OK. But don’t chance a big electrolytic capacitors blowing in your home.

Isn’t it funny how a simple question can generate a number of diverse yet incorrect answers?

Bring those Alephs up gently on a variac. Usually I start at 50V for five or six hours, then up in 20V steps at 1 or 2 hours per. This will reform the caps, which are 30 years old even if the amps have ever been used. In fact, the less they’ve been used the more they’ll appreciate this treatment.

Meanwhile... What a great find! You should have bought a lottery ticket that day 🙂

I’m wondering how the capacitors age when they have been unused, new in the box, without having been fed electricity since leaving the factory. Is there an explanation I might read as a reference article or book?

I have been enjoying an A5 for about three years, both as a musical piece and as a room heater in colder weather.

I’m wondering how the capacitors age when they have been unused, new in the box, without having been fed electricity since leaving the factory. Is there an explanation I might read as a reference article or book?

@zarf 

This tech note from Würth Elektronik discusses oxide degradation in electrolytic caps over time. It is in no way exhaustive but a good starting point

https://www.we-online.com/catalog/media/o467325v410%20SN019_EN_d.pdf

Congratulations on your Aleph 5! Beautiful piece

Caps need to have a little energy to keep them properly formed. 

I disconnected my Ayre MXR's when I was using my Atma's, when I plugged them back in, a cap blew. Thankfully, Ayre does a great job with repair. Also, charging a very reasonable price.

Since then, they have been plugged in, on standby, until I use them.

Bob

Great article, thanks devinplombier!

Needless to say, what are you going to do with the rest of the brood?

I will likely sell at least a pair of Aleph 0. They both seem to be working fine, both reach temps in the high 120's after 4 to 5 hours of play. One has a ding in the top of the rear cooling fin (it looks like these can be flipped over so it wouldn't show).

The serial numbers are 4009 and 4010.

I'm leaning toward using an Aleph 0s and a 3 for my 802's. Still debating.

That would leave me with an additional pair of Aleph 3. Have not checked out any of the 3's but the other amps are performing admirably as far as my ears can tell.

Thanks, I might be interested. Keep us posted.

Pass Labs got back to me and Kent says if I’m getting zero hum through the speakers that the caps are likely OK. I’ve tested five of the six for 5-8 hours each (except the last Aleph 3), mostly on my B&W Signature 805 and all sound great with zero hum. I’m loving it. My current thinking is I will part will the pair of 0 and the 0s and keep the three 3’s (one as backup).

I had some trouble trying to list my Aleph 0 pair on Audiogon due to my description going away every time I tried to add a pic and then cut and paste didn’t work either. Hence I’ve listed them on the "other" auction site, same seller name as here. I guess I do have a reputation there, so that’s good. If you look at them and have any questions, offers, anything, please identify yourself as from Audiogon and I appreciate everyone’s help here and at Pass Labs.

@lesbaxter 

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