PDA

View Full Version : Amp(s) with the Kung-Fu Grip!



Mike
August 14, 2013, 10:37 AM
I'm really loving my Raidho speakers. But the one thing I've learned, is that they really work best with a SS (or Class-D) amp that has amazing grip on the bass (aka: Kung-Fu Grip!) :)

What amp(s) have you heard demonstrate amazing fast/tight control of the bass?

Mike

Sean
August 14, 2013, 10:49 AM
Bryston

Mike
August 14, 2013, 11:03 AM
I heard them with a little Bryston Integrated (135??) and it was excellent.

Sean
August 14, 2013, 11:07 AM
I heard them with a little Bryston Integrated (135??) and it was excellent.

Very nice. That is their newest iteration, I believe. James and Bryston set out on that goal of 'straight wire with gain' and I feel they do a great job of that. Great balance and control.

-E-
August 14, 2013, 12:15 PM
Iron fist + velvet glove = Bryston. Bass control is unbelievably good.

Class D... hrmm.... Anthem M1? Bel Canto always made nice monoblocks with a small footprint. Tough question.

the professor
August 14, 2013, 01:07 PM
Boulder? I haven't heard them w Raidho but they do have the Kung-Fu grip as you call it.

Mike
August 14, 2013, 01:59 PM
Boulder? I haven't heard them w Raidho but they do have the Kung-Fu grip as you call it.

That's definitely on my list. Their new integrated looks nice. I want to hear Soulution/Raidho too. Constellation as well. D'Agostino too.

the professor
August 14, 2013, 02:12 PM
BTW

I like your avatar.

Ya just had to go bigger than mine. :)

NorthStar
August 14, 2013, 02:15 PM
Bigger is better. :)

Mike
August 14, 2013, 02:43 PM
BTW

I like your avatar.

Ya just had to go bigger than mine. :)

Bigger - but not better! :)

hiro100
August 14, 2013, 02:51 PM
Bass Grip? Hmmm... Ncore, Plinius SB-301, Parasound JC-1, D'agostino Momentum, SimAudio and Spectral.

AudioSalon
August 14, 2013, 02:52 PM
2911

From the Hong Kong Audio show, the Constellation Argo Integrated on the top shelf. No specs yet but I believe it should be released next month.

http://audioshark.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=2911&d=1376506235

Face
August 14, 2013, 06:07 PM
Class D and a good tube pre is a great match for grip and harmonics.

cmalak
August 14, 2013, 06:16 PM
Are you looking only at integrateds Mike? If so, Simaudio Moon Reference series, Boulder 865, Hegel 300, Jeff Rowland (Class AB stuff not Class D), and Ayre's new AX-5 are some suggestions to look at. Of course on higher end, Souluution, Vitus and Constellation integrateds.

Separates: all of the above brands plus D'Agostino, MBL, and Halcro.

sharkmouth
August 14, 2013, 06:21 PM
Mike I've heard these twice now, once with 3.7's & yesterday with 20.7's, they really impressed me.




D•500 MKII Class D Monoblock AmplifiersPowerful and energy efficient, the D•500 MKII produces over 500 watts into 8 ohms and will drive your loudspeakers with authority, musicality and control.$5,000 per pair
FeaturesChassis Designhttp://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/d500_fr_angle_sm.jpg (http://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/d500_fr_angle.jpg)The monaural design is housed in a beautiful new machined aluminum chassis with heavy steel frame plate to support the massive power transformer. Non-magnetic stainless steel hardware and highest quality parts are used throughout. Adjustable 5-way binding posts are used for loudspeaker connection and can be configured for horizontal or vertical cable entry.
Power Managementhttp://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/d500_rear_sm.jpg (http://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/d500_rear.jpg)Our SmoothStart™ and XDC•2 circuits control AC power, while our DC board supplies the various output voltages required by the audio circuit. Signal input is handled by panel-mounted jacks for both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connections. Turn-on is accomplished by the front-panel mute/play button, or remote 12v trigger (when used with PLC•1 MKII or other makes with this function)
Audio CircuitThe audio circuit consists of an advanced full bridge UcD design for life-like music reproduction and offers unsurpassed performance, reliability, and efficiency. Due to the large heat-sink area and high efficiency, D•500 remains cool to the touch even at continuous high output levels. Protection from over-voltage and short-circuit conditions are provided.
http://www.ciaudio.com/images/interface/warranty-5yr.png5 Year WarrantyEnjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive 5 year warranty. Full service information is included in the product manual.

Download Product Literature » (http://www.ciaudio.com/pdfs/D500MKII_Lit.pdf)Reviews
http://www.ciaudio.com/images/logos/review_toneaudio.png (http://www.tonepublications.com/review/channel-islands-d500-mkii-monoblocks/)“…the D500 MKIIs could not only deliver a large soundfield, but they could deliver deep bass with power and control. …these amplifiers kept a lock on the pace, offering up wall shaking beats with no shrinkage of soundstage in either dimension.

Making the power hungry Magnepan 1.7’s part of the equation was equally splendid. The D500 MKIIs took control of the Magnepans as well as some of the world’s best amplifiers have – I can’t think of an amplifier I would suggest more highly for someone looking to build a high performance system around the 1.7’s (or the 3.7’s for that matter) at a reasonable cost.

The Channel Islands D500 MKII amplifiers sounded great and made no missteps while in our care. We will be adding them to our reference fleet of amplifiers, so you will be hearing more about them in the months to come. I feel compelled to give these amplifiers one of our Exceptional Value Awards for 2011 as well – they represent tremendous performance and build quality. A well thought out product in every way.”
- Jeff Dorgay, Tone Audio (http://www.tonepublications.com/review/channel-islands-d500-mkii-monoblocks/)

http://www.ciaudio.com/images/logos/review_rosshogarth.jpg (http://www.hoaxproductions.com/)“The Channel Islands Audio D-500 MKII amplifiers have made a huge difference in my mixes. The detail and clarity that they bring out, now allows me to hear problems and mix issues. I am extremely happy with how my mixes translate now like never before.”
- Ross Hogarth, Double Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer at Hoax Productions (http://www.hoaxproductions.com/)

http://www.ciaudio.com/images/logos/review_audiocircle.jpg (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82565.0)“The bass thunders when required. The mid range is rich in timbre and life-like. The more I listen using the D500s, the more I appreciate the beauty, depth and timbre of music made with just one or very few instruments.
The music at all levels is liquid, no friction, no compression. The mid range is much more open than on the old D200s.”
- kkc, AudioCircle forum member (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82565.0)

http://www.ciaudio.com/images/logos/review_audiocircle.jpg (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82565.msg797485#msg797485)“I have owned quite a few amps, and have heard many others, and I would place these up there with the best I have heard. These amps are very neutral and detailed, with an smooth and effortless quality that makes listening to them a real joy. Highly recommended!”
- stu, AudioCircle forum member (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=82565.msg797485#msg797485)
SpecificationsPower Output500 watts @ 8 ohms/800 watts @ 4 ohmsBandwidth50kHzFrequency Response10Hz - 20kHz, +0dB/-0.5dBDamping Factor>1000Input Impedance100k ohmsGain38db or 32dbDimensions8.5"w x 4.0"h x 13.5"dWeight28 lbs (each)Warranty5 Year Parts & Laborhttp://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/manual.pngDownload Owners Manual (http://www.ciaudio.com/pdfs/D500MKII_inst.pdf)PurchaseD•500 MKII Monoblock Amplifiers$5,000http://www.ciaudio.com/images/products/d500/d500_purchase.jpgGain Setting
Low Gain - 32db High Gain - 38db

Peace Of MindAt CIAudio, we want you to be happy with your purchase. That’s why all our products come with a 30 day in home trial period (http://www.ciaudio.com/about/ordering-online). If you’re dissatisfied in any way, just return it and we’ll refund the full purchase price minus a 10% restocking fee.
Direct OrderingAll our proudcts are sold factory driect to bring you great value on top of the best personal service in the business. You can order online with the PayPal buttons or call us (http://www.ciaudio.com/about/contact-us).
Please read our full terms and conditions (http://www.ciaudio.com/about/ordering-online) before ordering.

sharkmouth
August 14, 2013, 06:21 PM
-----/////-----

Big Jim 007
August 14, 2013, 06:40 PM
I still like tubes and they do have a Kung-Fu grip on bass if mated with the correct tubes. I really want to like Class D, maybe it is me, I find them a bit lean and grainy on the top. I will admit that they do do bass nicely.

Jim

NorthStar
August 14, 2013, 07:36 PM
Mmmm, AudioCircle, sour memory .... just from very few.

socfan12
August 14, 2013, 09:51 PM
Read a review of the TAD M600 where the reviewer thought it had ridiculous control of the bottom frequencies. They are supposed to be super dynamic and fast. I'd think they'd pair well w the Raidhos.:audiophile:

Mike
August 14, 2013, 11:23 PM
Read a review of the TAD M600 where the reviewer thought it had ridiculous control of the bottom frequencies. They are supposed to be super dynamic and fast. I'd think they'd pair well w the Raidhos.:audiophile:

Thanks Allen. I hadn't thought of TAD amps. Will definitely give them a listen.

Mike
August 14, 2013, 11:40 PM
In the September TAS, Valin makes mention of the incredible bass control of the Soulution amps.

joeinid
August 15, 2013, 01:11 AM
Mike,

Call me crazy but I think this might be a winner.....

WELCOME to Spectral Audio'sHome Page (http://spectralaudio.com/)

http://spectralaudio.com/30ssFrontCS.gif

http://www.spectralaudio.com/DMA400/DMA400%20Front%20Pull.gif

Mike
August 15, 2013, 07:10 AM
Mike,

Call me crazy but I think this might be a winner.....

WELCOME to Spectral Audio'sHome Page (http://spectralaudio.com/)

http://spectralaudio.com/30ssFrontCS.gif

http://www.spectralaudio.com/DMA400/DMA400%20Front%20Pull.gif

Definitely another one to add to the list! Thanks Joe!

MDP
August 15, 2013, 09:23 AM
You already own them !!!!!!!

Classe' CA M600's.......lightning fast, incredible control, TONS of power !!

Mike
August 15, 2013, 09:24 AM
You already own them !!!!!!!

Classe' CA M600's.......lightning fast, incredible control, TONS of power !!

You got that right!

Big Jim 007
August 15, 2013, 12:37 PM
I wish TAS came in a plain brown wrapper as it is about a 50/50 I get mine anymore. I just filed another complaint with the post office!

Jim

'cisco
August 15, 2013, 12:44 PM
Although I haven't had the pleasure of auditioning any Bryston gear yet......I think I would be happy with this....

Now where is the digital readouts? :D

http://www.bryston.com/images/products/B135/L_1.jpg

Odyno
August 15, 2013, 12:45 PM
Mola Mola, a brand that deserve more recognition.
Fast, transparent affordable for the level of performance!

dlb2
August 15, 2013, 02:30 PM
I'm with Cyril. I would add Boulder to your list.

Paul
August 15, 2013, 02:33 PM
Mike ..... You are looking for an amp for the D3 not D1 right ?

Mike
August 15, 2013, 02:43 PM
Mike ..... You are looking for an amp for the D3 not D1 right ?

Right

Mike
August 15, 2013, 02:45 PM
Amp needs to have wicked bass control. Tight. Fast. Boulder is definitely on the list to hear.

JJinID
August 15, 2013, 03:21 PM
ModWright amps have excellent bass control - especially when compared to my MC501s which are good but not great. I'm going to be doing a comparison between the two in my system in the near future...

Ritmo
August 15, 2013, 04:47 PM
We should also add Burmester to the list.

Ritmo
August 15, 2013, 04:48 PM
In the September TAS, Valin makes mention of the incredible bass control of the Soulution amps.


Is it out yet? I have not received my copy...

Mike
August 15, 2013, 04:53 PM
Is it out yet? I have not received my copy...

I received mine on Monday.

Ritmo
August 15, 2013, 05:21 PM
Ok. Hope is in...I'm traveling again this week. Actually, in the MX airport as I type this.

sharkmouth
August 15, 2013, 05:34 PM
Oh well then apart from that one little detail, I would have voted in some soulu....!





Right

socfan12
August 15, 2013, 07:58 PM
I'm with Cyril. I would add Boulder to your list.


Mike,

Call me crazy but I think this might be a winner.....

WELCOME to Spectral Audio'sHome Page (http://spectralaudio.com/)

http://spectralaudio.com/30ssFrontCS.gif

http://www.spectralaudio.com/DMA400/DMA400%20Front%20Pull.gif


These are GREAT suggestions for what you're looking for, Mike.

Mike
August 15, 2013, 08:01 PM
These are GREAT suggestions for what you're looking for, Mike.

Thanks! I have lots to audition.

Anatta
August 18, 2013, 03:57 PM
I recommend you listen to the Audionet Max monos if you like the Soulution sound.

You can hear them at Blink High End which is also a Raidho dealer (look for their website and YouTube account); they use the two brands together.

joeinid
August 18, 2013, 06:56 PM
Welcome to the forum Anatta!

Thank you for joining.

Anatta
August 19, 2013, 05:33 AM
Thank you Joe!
Nice to find you here!

Penthouse-D
August 20, 2013, 08:35 AM
Glad to see some Spectral lovers out there. I could not be happier with mine. I have Q5's which are difficult to drive and my 360's manhandle them!