Amp(s) with the Kung-Fu Grip!

Mike

Audioshark
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
30,261
Location
Sarasota, FL
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
 
I heard them with a little Bryston Integrated (135??) and it was excellent.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Bass Grip? Hmmm... Ncore, Plinius SB-301, Parasound JC-1, D'agostino Momentum, SimAudio and Spectral.
 
argo.jpg

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.

attachment.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 
Mike I've heard these twice now, once with 3.7's & yesterday with 20.7's, they really impressed me.




[h=1]D•500 MKII Class D Monoblock Amplifiers[/h][h=2]Powerful and energy efficient, the D•500 MKII produces over 500 watts into 8 ohms and will drive your loudspeakers with authority, musicality and control.[/h]$5,000 per pair
[h=3]Features[/h][h=4]Chassis Design[/h]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.
[h=4]Power Management[/h]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)
[h=4]Audio Circuit[/h]The 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.
warranty-5yr.png
[h=4]5 Year Warranty[/h]Enjoy peace of mind with our comprehensive 5 year warranty. Full service information is included in the product manual.

[h=5]Download Product Literature »[/h][h=3]Reviews[/h]
“…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
“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
“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
“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
[h=3]Specifications[/h]Power 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 & Labor[h=5]Download Owners Manual[/h][h=3]Purchase[/h][h=5]D•500 MKII Monoblock Amplifiers[/h][h=4]$5,000[/h]
d500_purchase.jpg
Gain Setting
Low Gain - 32db High Gain - 38db


[h=4]Peace Of Mind[/h]At 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. If you’re dissatisfied in any way, just return it and we’ll refund the full purchase price minus a 10% restocking fee.
[h=4]Direct Ordering[/h]All 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.
[h=4]Please read our full terms and conditions before ordering.[/h]
 
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
 
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:
 
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.
 
Back
Top