alon model 5 mk 2

Norman, I don't have any experience with the Stratos or Sim. I'm sure they're both very good amps, but I encourage you to audition a pure Class A amp if you stay with solid state. -Mark

I'm driving a pair of Model V's with Antique Sound Lab AQ-1008. There's a warmth and spaciousness with this combo that I haven't heard with SS.

I heard a pair of Alon Circe's powered by a VAC PA100/100 not long ago. It was the most spectacular system I've heard to date. The sound stage was holographic and mesmerizing. The images were so solid you felt like you were in front of an orchestra.

But back to amps... Carl designs his speakers with tubes in mind. If you read any reviews where he set up the system, you'll see that he uses tubes. I've seen references to VTL, VAC, Conrad Johnson and Antique Sound Lab in his systems. There's no doubt that Alon's sound better with tubes. I've done it both ways. I drove a pair of Model I's with a pair of McCormack DNA-1's, but the magic wasn't there. It wasn't until I picked up a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos (50 watts) that the midrange and vocals came alive. The Mid Mono's were wonderful at low listening levels, but ultimately didn't have enough power to reach the SPL I wanted. 100 watts is a good benchmark for 87 dB Alons.

If you won't consider tubes, check out this forum: SS Amp for natural vocals

My cable is pretty basic (Canare 4s11), but as far as I can tell, it hasn't hindered performance. Experimenting with other cable is on my list of things to do, but it isn't a high priority.

If you're bi- or tri-wiring, here's a quote from Carl in a 1993 Stereophile review:

I would like to point out the importance of tri-wiring the Alón IV for best performance. The Alón IV was developed as a triwired system and employs three separate crossover boards which provide magnetic, electric, and physical separation for the three sections of the loudspeaker. It is important to use identical lengths of identical cable for this purpose, so as to maintain the coherency built into the system. For instance, it may be "common practice" to use larger-gauge cables for the bass section, but this will invariably upset the tonal balance and coherency of the system.

CARL MARCHISOTTO

04-08-08: Mitch2
I tried for years to get the V MkII's to sing with a variety of components. It just wouldn't happen for me, even when using a tubed preamp.

I know they can sound nice with SS, but I really believe Alon's are best matched with tube amps. Not a tube preamp and SS amp. I don't claim to be an expert on the issue, but when the designer uses tubes to audition the speaker for reviewers, there must be a reason for that.

I finally sold my pair of V's to achieve better dynamics in the midrange/mid-bass region, and a better mid-bass to bass transition. The V's caused a distinct mid-bass hump in two very different rooms I used them in.

Interesting. You may have better ears for this, but I haven't heard this hump in my system.

I actually upgraded those speakers to above the Circe level with all new Alon alnico drivers, internal wiring, and a pair of Carl's outboard crossovers that according to Carl "contain more expensive components and are better than the Circe crossover."

Mitch, can you tell me more about these upgrades? What brand and gauge wire did you use? What brand were the caps in the external crossover? I'm interested in upgrading, but I plan to do it on my own without Carl's help. His prices are ridiculously expensive. Any pointers you can give me would be appreciated. -Mark

If you need your woofers fixed, contact Bill LeGall at Millersound. He works on Alons.

http://www.millersound.net/about.htm
millerspkr@aol.com
1.215.412.7700

Contact Carl if you want to buy new woofers. Contact Bill LeGall if you want to rebuild them. Bill is a master at what he does and will make them better than new. Bill often works for Carl.

Carl often uses Bill to do this work. Contact Bill directly and see if he will do it for less.

What kind of a pic are you looking for? Just a general shot?

https://bspace.berkeley.edu/access/content/user/228605/Alon/modelVmkII.jpg