501 Mono Amplifier

**wizard** · April 27, 2013, 02:46 PM

A first listen from JV at TAS.

**Paul** · April 27, 2013, 03:04 PM

Thanks Wizard...

I like it ~! Is the fan doesn't make any noise ?

**VT Skier** · April 27, 2013, 03:10 PM

Depends on how close you are to the amps, how quiet the room is, how loud the music is. The fan is not loud, but can be audible.

**Paul** · April 27, 2013, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Depends on how close you are to the amps, how quiet the room is, how loud the music is. The fan is not loud, but can be audible.

Thank you. I had a bad experience with one of my amp before.

But that wasn't at the same level as like this one.lol

**johnthomas** · April 28, 2013, 10:02 AM

That was an interesting article comparing the 501 to Tech Brain and Constellation. I've never seen any of these amps in person but from looking at these amps on the net there not the prettiest looking thing for what their charging. When I look at the Burmesters 911 or the Mac's 1.2KW which are good sounding amps and no slouch they are gorgeous to look at as well as listen to.

P.S. But I'd still like to listen to the Constellation Centaur.

John

**Alpinist** · October 13, 2014, 07:34 PM

Has anyone ever tried a Pass Labs XP-30 Preamplifier with the Soulution 501 Mono Amplifiers and if so, how did it sound?

**Mark Jones** · October 13, 2014, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Has anyone ever tried a Pass Labs XP-30 Preamplifier with the Soulution 501 Mono Amplifiers and if so, how did it sound?

Never tried but with a 2k input impedance. I suggest sticking with the Soulution preamp that has an extremely low output impedance of only 10 ohms to match. I think the XP30 is at least 10 times that.

Just looked at your equipment list, I should have said stick with your lovely 100.8's.

Soulution should really be looked at as a system (pre and power together IMHO)

**Alpinist** · October 14, 2014, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Mark Jones

Never tried but with a 2k input impedance. I suggest sticking with the Soulution preamp that has an extremely low output impedance of only 10 ohms to match. I think the XP30 is at least 10 times that.

Just looked at your equipment list, I should have said stick with your lovely 100.8's.

Soulution should really be looked at as a system (pre and power together IMHO)

Hi Mark,

The Pass XP-30 output impedance is 120 ohms. The input impedance on the Soulution 501 is 2,000 ohms. That's 17x higher, isn't that sufficient?

Thanks,
Ken

**sharkmouth** · October 14, 2014, 03:26 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

The Pass XP-30 output impedance is 120 ohms. The input impedance on the Soulution 501 is 2,000 ohms. That's 17x higher, isn't that sufficient?

Thanks,
Ken

As far as the anal/figures brigade go, that is perfect.

**Mark Jones** · October 14, 2014, 07:26 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

The Pass XP-30 output impedance is 120 ohms. The input impedance on the Soulution 501 is 2,000 ohms. That's 17x higher, isn't that sufficient?

Thanks,
Ken

True, it does lie just past the minimum required of 10x. However, most products out there designed to work together are often more than 100x.

If you are buying mega buck state of the art stuff why use it in a minimum required situation. But who knows, as I have not heard the combo, it may sound fantastic. Sorry, just had to throw in my two cents.

**Mike** · October 14, 2014, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

The Pass XP-30 output impedance is 120 ohms. The input impedance on the Soulution 501 is 2,000 ohms. That's 17x higher, isn't that sufficient?

Thanks,
Ken

I think at that level, the XS preamp would be a better bet with your 100.8's.

**Mike** · October 14, 2014, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

The Pass XP-30 output impedance is 120 ohms. The input impedance on the Soulution 501 is 2,000 ohms. That's 17x higher, isn't that sufficient?

Thanks,
Ken

As good as the 501's are, I would be hard pressed to go to them over 100.8's. At that price point, I can assure you, the XS150's with your XP30 would be a much better combination.

My friend with 100.8's and Strads was over yesterday. He said to me after 4.5 hours of comparison, the XS150's are at least a 50% improvement over the 100.8's.

I've heard a lot of what many consider the worlds current greatest SS amps - 701's, Dart 458, Vitus, CH, FM, etc. and as good as many of them are, IMHO, none can touch the XS150's. The big Vitus class A amps are right there (but at a lot more money), and the Accuphase A-200's too. And a Nelson Pass circuitry you know is leading class in design.

But again, with your preamp....I would be leaning XS150's over 501....

**Design Audio Video** · October 14, 2014, 10:23 AM

I think may depend on where your final setup will be. If D3'are ever added to your system then Soulution all the way

**Mike** · October 14, 2014, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Design Audio Video

I think may depend on where your final setup will be. If D3'are ever added to your system then Soulution all the way

I agree.

**Alpinist** · October 14, 2014, 05:57 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. A lot of great food for thought here. I really appreciate it!

**MDP** · October 15, 2014, 07:35 AM

Ken, just to let you know. I tried the Solution 710 with my Salon 2's, and it was not a good match. The newer Solution amps, like the 711, have a more natural sound. I still don't know if they will work with Salon 2's, but as David said, they're fantastic on Raidho speakers.

**Alpinist** · October 15, 2014, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Ken, just to let you know. I tried the Solution 710 with my Salon 2's, and it was not a good match. The newer Solution amps, like the 711, have a more natural sound. I still don't know if they will work with Salon 2's, but as David said, they're fantastic on Raidho speakers.

Thanks Mark! Very helpful.

**Alpinist** · January 11, 2015, 08:14 PM

Here is a brief review I wrote on the Soulution 501 mono amps:

Right now, I'm running from the Esoteric K-01 directly to the Soulution 501 amps and then to the Salon 2's. Even without the 520 preamp, the sound quality is outstanding. There is tremendous clarity and purity of timbres, and distortion is virtually undetectable. There is also a high degree of resolution but it is delivered with a certain sense of ease, regardless of the volume level. Speed, dynamics and bass control are incredible. Drum strikes on some of my most dynamic Telarc recordings are lightning fast and impactful. Consequently, it just sounds a lot more like live music than what I've previously experienced. Overall the sonic signature is very neutral with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange and treble. I also had the opportunity to audition the Soulution 520 preamp and adding this component in the chain materially increases smoothness, texture and musical density.

Ken

**Mike** · January 11, 2015, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Here is a brief review I wrote on the Soulution 501 mono amps:

Right now, I'm running from the Esoteric K-01 directly to the Soulution 501 amps and then to the Salon 2's. Even without the 520 preamp, the sound quality is outstanding. There is tremendous clarity and purity of timbres, and distortion is virtually undetectable. There is also a high degree of resolution but it is delivered with a certain sense of ease, regardless of the volume level. Speed, dynamics and bass control are incredible. Drum strikes on some of my most dynamic Telarc recordings are lightning fast and impactful. Consequently, it just sounds a lot more like live music than what I've previously experienced. Overall the sonic signature is very neutral with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange and treble. I also had the opportunity to audition the Soulution 520 preamp and adding this component in the chain materially increases smoothness, texture and musical density.

Ken

Thanks Ken. Good write up. I agree with your comments. The first Soulution amp I heard was the 710 and wasn't overly impressed. But ever since I first heard Jon's 501's, I was sold. The 711/701's just take these a step further. Great amps.

**Alpinist** · January 11, 2015, 09:09 PM

Thanks Mike! The 700 series is awesome.

Ken

**Odyssey** · January 11, 2015, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Here is a brief review I wrote on the Soulution 501 mono amps:

Right now, I'm running from the Esoteric K-01 directly to the Soulution 501 amps and then to the Salon 2's. Even without the 520 preamp, the sound quality is outstanding. There is tremendous clarity and purity of timbres, and distortion is virtually undetectable. There is also a high degree of resolution but it is delivered with a certain sense of ease, regardless of the volume level. Speed, dynamics and bass control are incredible. Drum strikes on some of my most dynamic Telarc recordings are lightning fast and impactful. Consequently, it just sounds a lot more like live music than what I've previously experienced. Overall the sonic signature is very neutral with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange and treble. I also had the opportunity to audition the Soulution 520 preamp and adding this component in the chain materially increases smoothness, texture and musical density.

Ken

IMO the 501's are the reason that the 710's got replaced. The 501's by some accounts sounded more natural and less clinical than the 710.

I have the Soulution 530 integrated which is an amalgam of the 520 and 501's. It's sound is 90-95% of the 520 and 501 separates. But what musical engagement is delivered in that last 5-10% !

Ken, you'll soon be a happy camper with the 520 and your 501's. The 501's are one of the top 100 most significant audio components according to TAS in it's storied history. Congrats Ken and I'll look forward to hearing your reporting of their mating!

**FlexibleAudio** · January 11, 2015, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Here is a brief review I wrote on the Soulution 501 mono amps:

Right now, I'm running from the Esoteric K-01 directly to the Soulution 501 amps and then to the Salon 2's. Even without the 520 preamp, the sound quality is outstanding. There is tremendous clarity and purity of timbres, and distortion is virtually undetectable. There is also a high degree of resolution but it is delivered with a certain sense of ease, regardless of the volume level. Speed, dynamics and bass control are incredible. Drum strikes on some of my most dynamic Telarc recordings are lightning fast and impactful. Consequently, it just sounds a lot more like live music than what I've previously experienced. Overall the sonic signature is very neutral with just a touch of sweetness in the midrange and treble. I also had the opportunity to audition the Soulution 520 preamp and adding this component in the chain materially increases smoothness, texture and musical density.

Ken

Well said Ken. I can't wait until you get the D3's and 520. You will be in for a real treat! The sweetness in the mids of the 501s on the D3s is to die for. Can you refresh my memory on what you were running the Salon's with before?

**Alpinist** · January 12, 2015, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by Odyssey

IMO the 501's are the reason that the 710's got replaced. The 501's by some accounts sounded more natural and less clinical than the 710.

I have the Soulution 530 integrated which is an amalgam of the 520 and 501's. It's sound is 90-95% of the 520 and 501 separates. But what musical engagement is delivered in that last 5-10% !

Ken, you'll soon be a happy camper with the 520 and your 501's. The 501's are one of the top 100 most significant audio components according to TAS in it's storied history. Congrats Ken and I'll look forward to hearing your reporting of their mating!

Thanks Le Roy! I'll write more after I add the 520 preamp and again after I add the D3's.

Best,
Ken

**Alpinist** · January 12, 2015, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

Well said Ken. I can't wait until you get the D3's and 520. You will be in for a real treat! The sweetness in the mids of the 501s on the D3s is to die for. Can you refresh my memory on what you were running the Salon's with before?

Thanks Paul! I can hardly wait. I was running the Pass XP-30 and XA-100.8's, which were excellent in every way (except perhaps the heat).

Best,
Ken

**MDP** · January 12, 2015, 10:16 AM

Good job Ken ! Now it's time to order that 520

I wanted to tell you as an experiment that David plans to try his Salon 2's on an all Solution setup, 725 and 701's.

How good will that be ?

**Alpinist** · January 12, 2015, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Good job Ken ! Now it's time to order that 520

I wanted to tell you as an experiment that David plans to try his Salon 2's on an all Solution setup, 725 and 701's.

How good will that be ?

Hi Mark,

I actually ordered the Soulution 520 last Friday, so all I have to do is wait for it to come in.

I think the Salon 2's will bring out every bit of the greatness of the Soulution 725 / 701 combo. Having listened to the Salon 2's with increasingly better components over the last two years, one thing I realized is there is just no limit to how great these speakers can sound. And the Salon 2's can certainly handle the power of the 701's. Please give me a full report if you get the opportunity to hear this system!

Best,
Ken

**MDP** · January 12, 2015, 06:40 PM

Ken,

I don't know how I missed that, Congrats on the 520

Was the Solution gear a step up from the Pass gear on the Salons ?

**Alpinist** · January 12, 2015, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Ken,

I don't know how I missed that, Congrats on the 520

Was the Solution gear a step up from the Pass gear on the Salons ?

Thanks Mark!

That's an excellent question. The Pass XA-100.8 is a terrific amp and some may prefer its sonic signature to that of the Soulution 501's. I did a thorough comparison of both amps before I made my decision and I preferred the Soulution 501's in my system. Please also keep in mind that the 501's are at a much higher price point than the XA-100.8's. I did not have the opportunity to directly compare the XP-30 to the 520 preamp in my system.

Ken

**MDP** · January 12, 2015, 08:19 PM

Thanks Ken.

**FlexibleAudio** · January 12, 2015, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Ken,

I don't know how I missed that, Congrats on the 520

Was the Solution gear a step up from the Pass gear on the Salons ?

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Thanks Mark!

That's an excellent question. The Pass XA-100.8 is a terrific amp and some may prefer its sonic signature to that of the Soulution 501's. I did a thorough comparison of both amps before I made my decision and I preferred the Soulution 501's in my system. Please also keep in mind that the 501's are at a much higher price point than the XA-100.8's. I did not have the opportunity to directly compare the XP-30 to the 520 preamp in my system.

Ken

I like to think the 501's marry the sweetness of Pass with the speed of Spectral and the resolution and transparency of Technical Brain with none of the nastiness regularly associate with the gobs of negative feedback required to achieve such high resolution.

But of course I am wildly conflicted on the subject!

**Mike** · January 13, 2015, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

I like to think the 501's marry the sweetness of Pass with the speed of Spectral and the resolution and transparency of Technical Brain with none of the nastiness regularly associate with the gobs of negative feedback required to achieve such high resolution.

But of course I am wildly conflicted on the subject!

Psst...it's called XS.

**FlexibleAudio** · January 13, 2015, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Psst...it's called XS.

I can only imagine!!!.........and dream.

**MDP** · January 13, 2015, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

I like to think the 501's marry the sweetness of Pass with the speed of Spectral and the resolution and transparency of Technical Brain with none of the nastiness regularly associate with the gobs of negative feedback required to achieve such high resolution.

But of course I am wildly conflicted on the subject!

Not you Paul.........you would never be biased

**Paul** · January 13, 2015, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Not you Paul.........you would never be biased

Ok.

**FlexibleAudio** · January 14, 2015, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Not you Paul.........you would never be biased

Who, me biased? I promise to like any gear you want me to on the days that Adriana is here. That said, it is good she leaves once in a while.....we get to see your lovely bride and my blood pressure stabilizes.

**Bobvin** · January 15, 2015, 01:25 PM

Paul, I'm just coming up to speed on this Soulution gears, I see you have the 721 pre with 501 monos, why that choice vs the 711 (?) stereo amp?

And who's heard the Soulution kit drive Alexias? Or compared sonic signature with top ARC kit? I hate to say I'm curious about this Soulution gear, cha ching!

**FlexibleAudio** · January 15, 2015, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Paul, I'm just coming up to speed on this Soulution gears, I see you have the 721 pre with 501 monos, why that choice vs the 711 (?) stereo amp?

And who's heard the Soulution kit drive Alexias? Or compared sonic signature with top ARC kit? I hate to say I'm curious about this Soulution gear, cha ching!

Hello Bob,

The 501s versus 711 is an outstanding question. Let me start by saying that David from Design Audio (on the Forum) has spent more time with both amps than anyone else I know. Definitely reach out to him. That said, I am happy to give you my 2 cents.

I sold my Pass XA200.5 and ARC Ref 10 when I fell in love with the Raidho's and wanted the best amps possible to drive them. (The Raidho's need for the right voicing, exceptional damping, speed and current is well documented in these threads.) This led me to Soulution based on a friends recommendation and the fact that, at the time, Lars from Raidho was using Soulution in his home. The decision between the monos and stereo was tough. My primary determinates were as follows:

1) The 711's have a slight edge in resolution and transparency
2) The 501's are slightly faster, sweeter and harmonically rich
3) The 501's are just a tad on the light side of neutral in the mid-bass (but exceptionally tight and fast) which is perfect voicing for the Raidho D3s. The 501's slew rate is off the charts even compared to Spectral.
4) 711's are $10k more
5) I have an extremely irrational phobia regarding cross-talk. At bed time, before I turn out the light every night I look under my bed to make sure none is lurking. I just couldn't get over the concern that I would be listening to the stereo amp and be haunted by the fear that the floor in the monos would be better. Utterly irrational, maybe; but I would be lying if I didn't admit the fear.

So I guess my take would be that if getting every last bit of resolution is your thing, the 711's $10K premium deserves careful consideration. To me the 501's are a little sweeter and harmonically rich in a tube sort of way, but at the expense of the last bit of resolution . They are, after all, pure Class A optimized. This trade was one I felt comfortable making. (Remember, we are talking subtle differences though.) I think voicing and speaker match have to be evaluated very carefully, both have exceptional damping. The 711's are just plain flat to me. The 501's slight tilt down in the lower frequencies may be a good match with Wilson's, but while I have heard the Alexias I have not heard them with either of the Soulutions.

I would definitely talk to David.

**Alpinist** · January 15, 2015, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

Hello Bob,

The 501s versus 711 is an outstanding question. Let me start by saying that David from Design Audio (on the Forum) has spent more time with both amps than anyone else I know. Definitely reach out to him. That said, I am happy to give you my 2 cents.

I sold my Pass XA200.5 and ARC Ref 10 when I fell in love with the Raidho's and wanted the best amps possible to drive them. (The Raidho's need for the right voicing, exceptional damping, speed and current is well documented in these threads.) This led me to Soulution based on a friends recommendation and the fact that, at the time, Lars from Raidho was using Soulution in his home. The decision between the monos and stereo was tough. My primary determinates were as follows:

1) The 711's have a slight edge in resolution and transparency
2) The 501's are slightly faster, sweeter and harmonically rich
3) The 501's are just a tad on the light side of neutral in the mid-bass (but exceptionally tight and fast) which is perfect voicing for the Raidho D3s. The 501's slew rate is off the charts even compared to Spectral.
4) 711's are $10k more
5) I have an extremely irrational phobia regarding cross-talk. At bed time, before I turn out the light every night I look under my bed to make sure none is lurking. I just couldn't get over the concern that I would be listening to the stereo amp and be haunted by the fear that the floor in the monos would be better. Utterly irrational, maybe; but I would be lying if I didn't admit the fear.

So I guess my take would be that if getting every last bit of resolution is your thing, the 711's $10K premium deserves careful consideration. To me the 501's are a little sweeter and harmonically rich in a tube sort of way, but at the expense of the last bit of resolution . They are, after all, pure Class A optimized. This trade was one I felt comfortable making. (Remember, we are talking subtle differences though.) I think voicing and speaker match have to be evaluated very carefully, both have exceptional damping. The 711's are just plain flat to me. The 501's slight tilt down in the lower frequencies may be a good match with Wilson's, but while I have heard the Alexias I have not heard them with either of the Soulutions.

I would definitely talk to David.

Paul,

I agree with everything you said about the 501 monos. In fact, I'm listening to them right now on Kenny Barron's "The Art of Conversation". They do have that Class A sweetness and purity. Bass is lightning fast and tight but almost never overstated unless on the recording.

Best,
Ken

**Odyssey** · January 16, 2015, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Paul, I'm just coming up to speed on this Soulution gears, I see you have the 721 pre with 501 monos, why that choice vs the 711 (?) stereo amp?

And who's heard the Soulution kit drive Alexias? Or compared sonic signature with top ARC kit? I hate to say I'm curious about this Soulution gear, cha ching!

Bob, I heard the Soulution 711's at CES driving the Alexias with the 725 pre and the 760 DAC at CES. I've heard the Alexias on six or more occasions and I've never heard them sound so good! The components were perched on a Critical Mass Rack. The 711 is one of the best ss stereo amps out there today. It is heavily biased into class A for the first 25 watts. The unit does not run hot and does not have a cooling fan.

I got to talk to Cyrill the president of Soulution at the show. One of the nice things about Soulution is the design philosophy. When possible you can have your components upgraded to the next model. For example, owners of the 710 can have their units upgraded to the 711 for a certain sum. I believe the charge includes shipping both ways and a new warranty. Soulution understands that their owners are making a major investment in the product and make sincere attempts to stand by their customers.

**MDP** · January 16, 2015, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Paul, I'm just coming up to speed on this Soulution gears, I see you have the 721 pre with 501 monos, why that choice vs the 711 (?) stereo amp?

And who's heard the Soulution kit drive Alexias? Or compared sonic signature with top ARC kit? I hate to say I'm curious about this Soulution gear, cha ching!

Bob,
Paul is right on with his description, and he is also correct about David Baskin @ Design Audio Video. I would venture that no one in the country has more experience with Solution gear than he has.
I think it would be a very wise decision to give him a call if you are at all interested in Solution.
I was listening to his Raidho D5's the other day with the 725/701 setup.............Simply the best system I've ever heard !!

**Odyssey** · January 16, 2015, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

Bob,
Paul is right on with his description, and he is also correct about David Baskin @ Design Audio Video. I would venture that no one in the country has more experience with Solution gear than he has.
I think it would be a very wise decision to give him a call if you are at all interested in Solution.
I was listening to his Raidho D5's the other day with the 725/701 setup.............Simply the best system I've ever heard !!

I agree with both Mark and Paul that David Baskin is the guy to talk to re Soulution. He has more experience with the line than anyone I know. And not just w Soulution but he has also carried other top flight brands such as Accuphase, Mark Levinson, Constellation and Pass Labs so he has an excellent basis for comparison.

If it wasn't for David's influence and ability to demonstrate what he sells I wouldn't have felt comfortable in making my upgrade.

**Bobvin** · January 16, 2015, 12:54 PM

So much gear, so little time. (Unless I become a swapper... wifey might influence that decision.)

**Alpinist** · January 16, 2015, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Odyssey

Bob, I heard the Soulution 711's at CES driving the Alexias with the 725 pre and the 760 DAC at CES. I've heard the Alexias on six or more occasions and I've never heard them sound so good! The components were perched on a Critical Mass Rack. The 711 is one of the best ss stereo amps out there today. It is heavily biased into class A for the first 25 watts. The unit does not run hot and does not have a cooling fan.

I got to talk to Cyrill the president of Soulution at the show. One of the nice things about Soulution is the design philosophy. When possible you can have your components upgraded to the next model. For example, owners of the 710 can have their units upgraded to the 711 for a certain sum. I believe the charge includes shipping both ways and a new warranty. Soulution understands that their owners are making a major investment in the product and make sincere attempts to stand by their customers.

Hi Le Roy,

After having heard both the Soulution 711 and 701 on the D5's at David's, any preliminary thoughts on the differences in sound and which way you might be leaning on the purchase?

All the best,
Ken

**MDP** · January 16, 2015, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Le Roy,

After having heard both the Soulution 711 and 701 on the D5's at David's, any preliminary thoughts on the differences in sound and which way you might be leaning on the purchase?

All the best,
Ken

Ken, you already know my opinion

**Alpinist** · January 16, 2015, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by MDP

Ken, you already know my opinion

Hi Mark,

I think I do but please feel free to elaborate!

Ken

**FlexibleAudio** · January 16, 2015, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Le Roy,

After having heard both the Soulution 711 and 701 on the D5's at David's, any preliminary thoughts on the differences in sound and which way you might be leaning on the purchase?

All the best,
Ken

I vote bi-amp with both!

**Alpinist** · January 16, 2015, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio

I vote bi-amp with both!

Paul,

I would love to hear the D5's bi-amped with 711 for treble and 501 for bass. I need to get down to David's. I can't wait to get the 520 and D3's into my system!

Ken

**MDP** · January 17, 2015, 05:13 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

I think I do but please feel free to elaborate!

Ken

The 701's are insanely good

**Alpinist** · January 17, 2015, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by MDP

The 701's are insanely good

Hi Mark,

How do the 701's sound different from the 711??

Thanks!
Ken

**Odyssey** · January 17, 2015, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Hi Mark,

How do the 701's sound different from the 711??

Thanks!
Ken

Hi Ken, the 701's are a bridged design of the 711 Stereo Amp. The power rating after being bridged is increased to 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 1200 watts into 4 ohms with a peak pulse power rating of 12,000 watts! It also has massive capacitance. Over 1 million microfarads. One of the advantages of this design there is a better structure for grounding than is possible in the stand alone 711. The housing for the 701 is much bigger and therefore can dissipate much more heat.

This is important because the 701's are biased for the first 60 watts to operate in Class A. But when you put your hand on top of the 701 it barely feels warm. This is also because of the replacement of the huge transformers with the fully regulated switch mode power supplies. No need for a separate air conditioning system in your listening room!

As for the sound I think that Harley gives a pretty good description in the January TAS about the sheer dynamic verve and assertive immediacy. I'd encourage you to read his account. I think that he captures the essence of the sound quite well. As he said in a different entry "their is probably not a more musically compelling amplifier out there".

As for which way I'm leaning, well I don't know. The 701's are a much bigger chunk of change. There is probably nothing that the 701's can't do. No speaker out there that they can't drive. They are powerful and subtle at the same time.

When they go head to head I'll know better. My feeling is that the 701's are certainly the SOTA.

Thread: 501 Mono Amplifier