DSK -> Yes it is a rather nice bedroom amp, pitty the speakers arn't up to the challenge.
EchiDna -> That is a shame, it is still for sale and $850 is pretty cheap. I have had a chance to listen to the Aleph for a while now and have concluded for the money and the hassel of dealing with class A, had I had known, i would have stuck with the Aska and done the upgrade.
That being said it is a very different sound. The Aleph is warmer but lacks the clarity I would have expected for a diy amp twice the cost. The Aleph has significantly more power than the Aska though.
Overall, 7/10 Aska, 8.5/10 Aleph, and my reference amp (keeping in mind I never give a 10/10) was the Krell flagship back in 2002 with a 9.5/10.
cheers,
Brent