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Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Very nice! I always liked the looks and sound of Luxman. They used to use them to drive Maggies at Sassafras years ago. The Ints look awesome too.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
This combo clobbers the Soulution 511/520 I had in here. Not even close and it’s less than half the price. Luxman with Magico is an absolutely superb combo. This combo has amazing transients. Not sure I’ve heard better with piano. Vocals are liquid. 3D. Balanced. And musical, musical, musical.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
This combo clobbers the Soulution 511/520 I had in here. Not even close and it’s less than half the price. Luxman with Magico is an absolutely superb combo. This combo has amazing transients. Not sure I’ve heard better with piano. Vocals are liquid. 3D. Balanced. And musical, musical, musical.
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Mike
Wow those comments surprise me. Other than your Gryphon demo the only Magico sessions that have impressed me were with Soulution. The Luxman must be awfully impressive.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
still-one
Mike
Wow those comments surprise me. Other than your Gryphon demo the only Magico sessions that have impressed me were with Soulution. The Luxman must be awfully impressive.
Jim, it really is.
When I read Doug’s review: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index...mono-amplifier
I thought, “nah, no way.” Oh yes, way!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Mike, any experience with the stereo version?
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Very clean and simple.
Good to hear the excitement with the speaker combination.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GSOphile
Mike, any experience with the stereo version?
Not yet. I will though.
Let’s say I was curious if the top Luxman gear could compete with the other stuff, so I borrowed it. The 590 integrated definitely shines and hits above its price point, could the separates do the same?
The answer is a resounding YES! Probably even more so.
I wish I could keep them right now, but I have other $$ priorities for the store right now. But let’s say, they will be on my agenda to purchase before the end of the year - NO QUESTION!!!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Hate to say I told you so... :yahoo1: There's not much out there that audiophiles ever agree on, but the quality and sonic performance of the top Luxman gear truly stands out from the competition!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
audio.bill
Hate to say I told you so... :yahoo1: There's not much out there that audiophiles ever agree on, but the quality and sonic performance of the top Luxman gear truly stands out from the competition!
Yup, you sure did. And you nailed the D-08u too.
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Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Not yet. I will though.
Let’s say I was curious if the top Luxman gear could compete with the other stuff, so I borrowed it. The 590 integrated definitely shines and hits above its price point, could the separates do the same?
The answer is a resounding YES! Probably even more so.
I wish I could keep them right now, but I have other $$ priorities for the store right now. But let’s say, they will be on my agenda to purchase before the end of the year - NO QUESTION!!!
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Isn’t that the stereo version ? I thought you just bridged to them as mono configuration. Correct me if I’m wrong :)
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paul
Isn’t that the stereo version ? I thought you just bridged to mono ?
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I did.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8751cb0dfc.jpg
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
"The M-900u is the best-sounding power amp I’ve ever heard." - Doug Schneider
That's a mighty big statement.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...6433577e39.jpg
Tried the stereo today.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Tried the stereo today.
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Looking forward to some notes .....
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d0837743f0.jpg
Testing the combo with other speakers now. Fabulous with Harbeth too!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Mono Vs Stereo:
- Mono has bigger soundstage.
- Mono Sounds slightly smoother.
- Mono has better transients
- Stereo has more focus, tighter soundstage
Overall, very close sonically. The power cable you pick has a MUCH bigger impact on the sound. For example, choosing the right power cable makes a much bigger difference than mono Vs Stereo.
Recommended cable on the Luxman: AQ Tornado, Hurricane, etc.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
How would you evaluate the power, since it's specified as 1/4 of the monos? Does it give a feeling of 'ease' of drive with most speakers you've tried?
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GSOphile
How would you evaluate the power, since it's specified as 1/4 of the monos? Does it give a feeling of 'ease' of drive with most speakers you've tried?
The power was sufficient for the M3’s, but the Harbeth’s loved the juice from monos. The monos have that big sense of ease. The stereo doesn’t struggle, but when you quadruple the power, there is no doubt the monos are up there with the best.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Mike, any chance you could post some videos with M3, especially Sarah McLachlan Angel which sounded pretty nice with ARC Ref 160M even on Youtube or any track from the the new Charles Lloyd and Lucinda Williams album? Wonder if the power amps are perhaps even better than the preamp? Many thanks
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ashandger
Mike, any chance you could post some videos with M3, especially Sarah McLachlan Angel which sounded pretty nice with ARC Ref 160M even on Youtube or any track from the the new Charles Lloyd and Lucinda Williams album? Wonder if the power amps are perhaps even better than the preamp? Many thanks
Sure! Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP6M6JxMt34
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP6M6JxMt34
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Wow, that was quick!! Many thanks for posting. Sounds great.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Amazing sound. So smooth and natural. Is there any chance you going to pair Luxman with Focal Sopra, KEF reference/blade speakers?
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
This combo clobbers the Soulution 511/520 I had in here. Not even close and it’s less than half the price. Luxman with Magico is an absolutely superb combo. This combo has amazing transients. Not sure I’ve heard better with piano. Vocals are liquid. 3D. Balanced. And musical, musical, musical.
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I really am very impressed by the opinions that are given of this combo.
I would be very interested in knowing your opinion comparing it with the Constellation combo, when you receive the Taurus.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nonesup
I really am very impressed by the opinions that are given of this combo.
I would be very interested in knowing your opinion comparing it with the Constellation combo, when you receive the Taurus.
I will for sure.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
I will for sure.
Mike. Are you planning to try it with AG soon ?
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paul
Mike. Are you planning to try it with AG soon ?
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Try the Constellation with AG? Sure.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Would it be a good idea to pair the Lux M900u monos with the Nagra Classic preamp ?
I would like to demo this combo.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Thieliste
Would it be a good idea to pair the Lux M900u monos with the Nagra Classic preamp ?
I would like to demo this combo.
Would probably be a great combo, although I never heard them together.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Ed,
Have you owned the Luxman? I almost pulled the trigger on the M-600. I just though it might be to soft and syrupy for me. I don't know. Never heard one. Just trying to find a way into a SS amp that is crisp, clean and magical. Pretty much like my tube amp, just less fuss. Something I can afford.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
UltraFast69
Very clean and simple.
Good to hear the excitement with the speaker combination.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingrex
Ed,
Have you owned the Luxman? I almost pulled the trigger on the M-600. I just though it might be to soft and syrupy for me. I don't know. Never heard one. Just trying to find a way into a SS amp that is crisp, clean and magical. Pretty much like my tube amp, just less fuss. Something I can afford.
Dartzeel NHB-108 model two although much more expensive.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Heard the Dartzeel monoblocks a few times. Very nice. I see the little stereo brother used for $12k. Not much different than a used M-800 or M-900.
Are the Luxman warm and gushing? Do they sound like Boulder? I also passed up on the M-600 as it's 30 Watts into 8 ohm. That's not alot. Sure it's suppose to be good power. Dartzeel is good power and I am told I am bumping my head on the ceiling with 150 Watts, if I desire headroom. Effortless ease. Mike here is running 2 M900. I believe they are rated 80 Watt stereo. Mono bridged to 8 is more like 320 or so. Vastly more power.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingrex
Mike here is running 2 M900. I believe they are rated 80 Watt stereo. Mono bridged to 8 is more like 320 or so. Vastly more power.
The Luxman M900u is rated (conservatively) in stereo mode at 150wpc into 8 ohms, doubling to 300wpc into 4, 600wpc into 2, (and 1,200wpc into 1 ohm instantaneous due to incoming power limitation!) In their mono mode the 8 ohm power is rated at 600 watts.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
What do you guys think of Luxman M900u in mono config driven directly by an MSB Reference DAC + preamp module ?
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Thieliste
What do you guys think of Luxman M900u in mono config driven directly by an MSB Reference DAC + preamp module ?
Excellent!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Mike are you still with Luxman ..??
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
a.wayne
Mike are you still with Luxman ..??
Yes, he is.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Hi all, first time on Luxman side. Have had 509x and am amazed by Luxman after years of running through all the high end makes. I'm ready to move to 900u and cant quite pull the whole deal with the 900c so i'm trying to determine a well matched pre amp with out having to room with my dog... Suggestions have been Jeff Rowland Capri 2 and the Bel Canto Black EX (big bucks). My dealer states that i will be blown away by the 900u and after the 509 i'm in disbelief.. By the way the latest speakers are Sopra 3 and noe ML 13's and moving to ML 15's...
Anyway, looking for suggestions on a compatible or complimenting pre amp..
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Stereo Addict
Hi all, first time on Luxman side. Have had 509x and am amazed by Luxman after years of running through all the high end makes. I'm ready to move to 900u and cant quite pull the whole deal with the 900c so i'm trying to determine a well matched pre amp with out having to room with my dog... Suggestions have been Jeff Rowland Capri 2 and the Bel Canto Black EX (big bucks). My dealer states that i will be blown away by the 900u and after the 509 i'm in disbelief.. By the way the latest speakers are Sopra 3 and noe ML 13's and moving to ML 15's...
Anyway, looking for suggestions on a compatible or complimenting pre amp..
Welcome to AudioShark Stereo Addict! :hi:
You're obviously a listener with very refined taste ;), for your reference I own both the Luxman C-900u preamp and M-900u power amp. I honestly wish that I could share another more reasonably priced preamp which would provide a similar level of performance when used with the M-900u amp but I can't. Mike may have some suggestions since he has first hand experience with a much wider array of gear than I do including Luxman. I acquired the C-900u preamp first in my journey, and was so impressed with it that I had to work my way towards later adding the matching M-900u amp. While they are not exactly what I'd consider affordably priced for the masses, at their reduced US pricing of $15K each I consider them to offer exceptional value in both the quality of their build as well as sonic performance. Good luck in your search!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Go to audiogon forms and look up the poster whiteCamaros. He has done extensive testing with the Luxman's. I know nothing about them and I'm not picking any sort of fight, but his take was the preamp and amp together can get a little dark. He has other preamps he's tested with it and find some to match with excellent results. To find the specific postings on the m900u can take a while. I think there are about 30 pages to sort through to find the actual threads.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
By the way, there is a Paramount version of my First Sound preamp on audiogone. That is an amazing preamp. The only issue with First Sound is they do not have a remote control. Outside of that it is probably one of the best sounding preamps ever made. I bet it would pair ridiculously well with a luxman. I am looking to purchase the m600a. I just don't have the money to go for the new U series.
Dump the stock tubes in the First Sound, go to upscale audio and get the telefunkin e88cc's. You will have the most glorious sound you could ever imagine. Incredible clean clear tone with substantial girth and weight. It slaughtered the Macintosh, Airtight or Rogue preamps I had at the time. The only thing I had that was close to as clear was a passive stepped attenuator. The First Sound is darn close to as clear but has so much more body and musicality it's a no-brainer.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
I did. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mike & other Sharks....
Please correct me if I am wrong...
It is my understanding that you have to be careful bridging amps...
When you bridge amps...you you double the output impedance to the speakers...in doing so you may cause a mismatch..
eg...if the amp struggles at 2 ohms or lower dips in speakers ...then you bridge it...it will then struggle at 4 ohms or lower...
Look forward to wiser heads than me for clarification...
Thanks...
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob181
Mike & other Sharks....
Please correct me if I am wrong...
It is my understanding that you have to be careful bridging amps...
When you bridge amps...you you double the output impedance to the speakers...in doing so you may cause a mismatch..
eg...if the amp struggles at 2 ohms or lower dips in speakers ...then you bridge it...it will then struggle at 4 ohms or lower...
Look forward to wiser heads than me for clarification...
Thanks...
When you bridge an amp it effectively sees the speaker's load impedance as half of what it is, and accordingly demands twice the current draw. So for example when driving a 4 ohm speaker with a bridged amp, the amp sees it as a 2 ohm load and has to deliver twice the current as it would with a 4 ohm speaker being driven in stereo mode. This results in many amps performing at a lower level when operating in bridged mode, but you do gain a significant amount of power and headroom so there are typically trade-offs. A lot depends on how well the amp's power supply is built, and whether the amp is truly optimized for bridged operation or if it's just implemented as a selling feature without regard to potential compromises. Luxman for example puts a lot of thought into their design and flexibility to run in bridged mode without compromise of sonic quality, but it still cannot drive as low an impedance load in bridged mode as it can in stereo mode. Hope this helps!
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingrex
Go to audiogon forms and look up the poster whiteCamaros. He has done extensive testing with the Luxman's. I know nothing about them and I'm not picking any sort of fight, but his take was the preamp and amp together can get a little dark.
Not sure where you came up with this one. I communicate with Jay on a regular basis and the Luxman Combo is in his Top 2 or 3. I don't believe he EVER said it was DARK at all on that thread or anywhere else. Think your memory is faulty on this one. Feel free to post a quote from Audiogon and that thread that backs up your remarks.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Billion$Baby
Not sure where you came up with this one. I communicate with Jay on a regular basis and the Luxman Combo is in his Top 2 or 3. I don't believe he EVER said it was DARK at all on that thread or anywhere else. Think your memory is faulty on this one. Feel free to post a quote from Audiogon and that thread that backs up your remarks.
I apologize if I remembered incorrectly. I know he had done a lot of listening and thought the amps were amazing.. Maybe I confuse some of his results with the stereophile review or other publication. My apologies again. I myself was looking hard for white Camaros reviews about a week ago when talking with somebody about an m600 a for myself. I was having a hard time finding it. I actually never did. I have read about these amps in as many places as possible as I'm pretty interested in them.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
audio.bill
When you bridge an amp it effectively sees the speaker's load impedance as half of what it is, and accordingly demands twice the current draw. So for example when driving a 4 ohm speaker with a bridged amp, the amp sees it as a 2 ohm load and has to deliver twice the current as it would with a 4 ohm speaker being driven in stereo mode. This results in many amps performing at a lower level when operating in bridged mode, but you do gain a significant amount of power and headroom so there are typically trade-offs. A lot depends on how well the amp's power supply is built, and whether the amp is truly optimized for bridged operation or if it's just implemented as a selling feature without regard to potential compromises. Luxman for example puts a lot of thought into their design and flexibility to run in bridged mode without compromise of sonic quality, but it still cannot drive as low an impedance load in bridged mode as it can in stereo mode. Hope this helps!
I am not a "techie" but understand what you have written...I am not sure what the net benefit is...of bridging 2 x stereo amps...why not just use mono's...
The RMS output is roughly quadrupled...but what is the current increase...my understanding is they are not the same...
Lets use a practical example...I own an Esoteric A03...like the Luxman designed to be bridged...output is 50 RMS all class A (specs here http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esot...03/indexe.html)....
You will note its design is such that does not like a speaker impedance much below 4 ohm...if I bridge the amp would it then not like impedance much below 8 ohm...
If that is the case I do not see any net benefit by bridging the amp as most speakers - including those I own operate between 8 & 3 ohms...
Really appreciate your response by the way...thank you...
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob181
I am not a "techie" but understand what you have written...I am not sure what the net benefit is...of bridging 2 x stereo amps...why not just use mono's...
The RMS output is roughly quadrupled...but what is the current increase...my understanding is they are not the same...
Lets use a practical example...I own an Esoteric A03...like the Luxman designed to be bridged...output is 50 RMS all class A (specs here
http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esot...03/indexe.html)....
You will note its design is such that does not like a speaker impedance much below 4 ohm...if I bridge the amp would it then not like impedance much below 8 ohm...
If that is the case I do not see any net benefit by bridging the amp as most speakers - including those I own operate between 8 & 3 ohms...
Really appreciate your response by the way...thank you...
I find this conversation interesting. I hadn't thought of how the amplifier sees a load when you start bridging. It does make you question whether it's something to do.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Rob181
I am not a "techie" but understand what you have written...I am not sure what the net benefit is...of bridging 2 x stereo amps...why not just use mono's...
The RMS output is roughly quadrupled...but what is the current increase...my understanding is they are not the same...
Lets use a practical example...I own an Esoteric A03...like the Luxman designed to be bridged...output is 50 RMS all class A (specs here
http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esot...03/indexe.html)....
You will note its design is such that does not like a speaker impedance much below 4 ohm...if I bridge the amp would it then not like impedance much below 8 ohm...
If that is the case I do not see any net benefit by bridging the amp as most speakers - including those I own operate between 8 & 3 ohms...
Really appreciate your response by the way...thank you...
Like I previously stated there are trade-offs involved, and ultimately power limitations have to do with power supply design/regulation as well as current capacity of the output devices. As you pointed out with the Esoteric amp running in bridged mode you get 4 times the power output compared to stereo mode, but it isn't rated to handle that into a load below 8 ohms since then maximum current will be the limiting factor. You are clearly more limited in speaker choices when running a bridged amp, but some amps like Luxman and Accuphase can still handle an impedance of 4 ohms or even lower when bridged. Alternately you can design a non-bridged amplifier which will have different capacities, likely not as much power but with more current headroom to handle the requirements (additional current draw) of lower impedance speakers. There is not one way which is universally best, it comes down to specific system matching to optimize an amplifier's ability to most effectively drive a particular speaker. You can't always predict it by the specs either although they can provide some insight into potential mismatches. Some don't care for the sound of bridged amplifier designs, but I've found that it really depends on the specific implementation of a particular design and proper load matching.
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Re: Luxman M900u Monos and C900u
Quote:
Originally Posted by
audio.bill
Like I previously stated there are trade-offs involved, and ultimately power limitations have to do with power supply design/regulation as well as current capacity of the output devices. As you pointed out with the Esoteric amp running in bridged mode you get 4 times the power output compared to stereo mode, but it isn't rated to handle that into a load below 8 ohms since then maximum current will be the limiting factor. You are clearly more limited in speaker choices when running a bridged amp, but some amps like Luxman and Accuphase can still handle an impedance of 4 ohms or even lower when bridged. Alternately you can design a non-bridged amplifier which will have different capacities, likely not as much power but with more current headroom to handle the requirements (additional current draw) of lower impedance speakers. There is not one way which is universally best, it comes down to specific system matching to optimize an amplifier's ability to most effectively drive a particular speaker. You can't always predict it by the specs either although they can provide some insight into potential mismatches. Some don't care for the sound of bridged amplifier designs, but I've found that it really depends on the specific implementation of a particular design and proper load matching.
Thanks for your response...a great learning curve for me...
Would you please provide a couple of examples of quality amps with high headroom or current...
What do you look for in the specs...