Aleph 3 safe to operate?
I've just found a Pass Aleph amplifier (6 of them actually) at an audio hoarder estate sale. It's a new in the box Aleph 3. Would it be safe to turn on without having to purchase a Variac first?
Also, I think I'd like to use it and another Aleph amp to power a pair of B&W 802 S2 with North Creek crossovers in a bi-wire configuration. If I use an Aleph 3 for the mids and highs what would the consensus be for the best amp to use for the bass drivers - I can choose from a pair of Aleph 0, an Aleph 0s, an Aleph 5 or another 3.
Also, I am currently using a Threshold Stasis 3 that was updated a number of years ago by Jon Soderberg and have been happily living with it and my North Creek Borealis' for a long time. Keep the Threshold or sub one of the aforementioned. I can't keep all of them per wife - DOH!
Thanks for your opinions
An Old Noob
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 🙂 |
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 |
