Aleph Jzm

The Nelson Pass designed First Watt Aleph J is a classic.

Various versions of the Aleph J have been built by DIYers for years, and the Aleph J is often a DIYer’s first First Watt. The illustrious Zen Mod created this version of the Aleph J to make the build more approachable to newer builders while maintaining all the characteristics of the original.

For a typical DIY build, the power output is expected to be 25W into an 8ohm load, just like the original Aleph J.

For more advanced DIYers and those that like to experiment, there are options to use a variety of JFETs and customize the circuit to suit individual tastes.

We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as the 100’s of others that have built this fantastic amplifier. Click here for a brief video to learn more about Zen Mod and the project.

What Will You Need To Complete A Working Amplifier?

You’ll need a power supply, chassis, wiring, and a few other parts to complete a working amplifier.  

Power supply requirements

A bipolar power supply of (+/- 24V) is required. The PSUs for almost all First Watt amplifiers including the F4, F5, F6, M2x, Aleph J, and Aleph Jzm are identical. The same PSU can be used for all of them.

There are three PSUs to choose from:

• Nelson's Bipolar Power Supply is the least expensive and easiest to build. It was designed to compliment the beautifully simple and inexpensive "minimalist" F5m.
• The Simple Linear Bipolar Power Supply is the choice for DIYers that prefer a higher performance power supply, but enjoy the convenience of a full kit. For builders that prefer to choose their own parts, the PCBs are also available.
• The Universal Power Supply PCBs allow the experienced DIYer to choose every part of their PSU or use what they have in their spare parts bin.

Chassis suggestions

The 3U Deluxe is an excellent choice. For builders that want more space and/or may want to build a bigger amplifier in the future, the 4U Deluxe or 5U Deluxe are great choices.  We also have a back panel parts kit to make life easier, and don’t forget the Keratherm.

The complete build guide contains links with suggestions for almost everything you need including tools to complete your project.

What If You Have Questions?

This project is intended for intermediate to advanced DIYers. It’s a wonderful second amplifier project after an Amp Camp Amp. Patient beginners willing to study should have no trouble following the build guide. The builder must know how to identify parts from schematics, match those parts to PCB locations based on the silkscreen, and have good soldering skills.  Most importantly, all builders are responsible for their own safety and must understand essential safety practices and precautions when dealing with mains powered electronics.

The build guide is the first resource for builders. For any other questions, Mighty Zen Mod and other forum members are ever-present in the support thread.

Note - Photos include parts available at the time of publishing. Individual components are subject to change based on availability.

• One of the most loved First Watt circuits re-imagined
• It's an Aleph - "Everyone needs an Aleph" - Jim Tiemann (6L6)
• Carefully designed to be more accessible to newer DIYers.

• Build Guide
• Support Thread
• Intro from Zen Mod