Soulution 511 monos unboxing
- Thread starter Mike
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bzr
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Mike,
What makes this brand so special? I've heard them once at an audio show but, the volume was turned down and wasn't playing material that I knew. I've always wondered do audiophiles/reviewers go nuts over the Swiss Electronics(Solutiion, Dartzeel, CH, etc) because of the higher MSRP thus one assumes these must sound better?
From my understanding it's a faster amp with a high dampning factor but, these are switched with global feedback correct? How they compare with something like an all Class A Pass Labs XS?
What makes this brand so special? I've heard them once at an audio show but, the volume was turned down and wasn't playing material that I knew. I've always wondered do audiophiles/reviewers go nuts over the Swiss Electronics(Solutiion, Dartzeel, CH, etc) because of the higher MSRP thus one assumes these must sound better?
From my understanding it's a faster amp with a high dampning factor but, these are switched with global feedback correct? How they compare with something like an all Class A Pass Labs XS?
Due to its cutting edge SMPS technology and 500,000 microfarads of storage capacitance, the Soulution 511 stereo amp generates seemingly limitless power. And its use of localized negative feedback in nanoseconds (billionths of a second) generates groundbreaking low distortion without the phase issues associated with global negative feedback. They are truly unique amplifiers in terms of both sound and design.
Ken
Thanks for sharing. Perhaps someday this technology will trickle down to a more "accessible" price point. I believe their new "entry" level stereo amp still is a whopping 35K :disbelief: US MSRP? I thought read somewhere a "3" Series integrated was in the works. Perhaps a 3 series stereo amplifier will follow.
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- #27
3 series is coming.
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- #29
Yes. You heard them at Munich on the Magico M Pro's and loved them.
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- #31
a.wayne
Well-known member
Is that with launch and traction control ...?
laynesaddiction
Member
First off...Congratulations Mike for getting something you have wanted for a long time. I have never heard any Soulution products in my travels, but hope to soon rectify that given the strong positive comments from a ton of people.
Alpinst: Thanks for the short technical breakdown above, but as mdp632 asked, would you (or anyone else here for that matter) like to share sonically what is so compelling to you regardless of the technical chops of said amps.
While I realize that each has their own preference and areas that they look for in components, I am assuming these amps do things that others just don't do in your eyes. For example, how do they compare sonically to Constellation, Pass XS (as mdp632 asked), the big Boulders, etc. or others you can make comparisons too. I am more looking as to what you feel are they absolute strengths. Also, what, if any weaknesses do you feel they have. From the definitions above about end-game amps, etc. I would think they don't have any in your eyes.
Finally, what are the main differences in the 700 series vs. the 500 if you can say. Is it the same "house sound" with more juice or is there more to the story. I have read the "professional reviews", but take comments here much more seriously.
Thanks for any data you are willing to share.
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Like with your D'Agostino amps, the Soulution are at the pinnacle of what is possible with solid state amplification. I cannot speak to Constellation because I've never had their amp(s) in my system and from what I heard and compared at a friends, I was never impressed (very weak on bass I found). The Soulution, Pass XS 300's, Vitus, D'Agostino and Boulder amps, along with many other SOTA solid state amps offer slightly different flavors from one another, but none perceivably better than the others, just different.
As for a "house sound", I would say the Soulution amps have a touch of sweetness, with incredible bass control, amazing separation, seemingly endless dynamics and wicked transient speed. Vocals are very fleshed out. Tonality is also pitch perfect. You don't feel as though you are listening to "solid state" as there is not remanence of transistor sound. Very natural.
I don't perceive any weakness, but if you're looking for 300b midrange bloom, than a Class A typology like the Pass XS300, Boulder or Vitus amps might appeal to those looking for a more liquid midrange sound.
Soulution amps project a "10th row" experience, whereas the PASS XS300's and Vitus project a "1st row" experience.
But the speed, control, separation and sheer size of soundstage is just some of the leadership qualities of Soulution.
I don't think price is the driving factor. Soulution, CH, Dart are all building precision instruments. The build quality and sonic achievements are something that must be experienced in ones own system to be fully appreciated. That isn't to say that Pass, D'Agostino, Boulder, Ayre, etc. don't build SOTA amps - they do. But like comparing a 2016 Corvette Z06 to a 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S, there are differences, but both are excellent with slightly different approaches.
I owned the Soulution 501 mono amps for two years and Mike has done an excellent job of summarizing their sonic qualities. I would add that due to their benchmark setting ultra low distortion, the amps have increased clarity/transparency compared to other amps I have owned (e.g. Pass XA-100.5 & XA-100.8). Additionally, due to their SMPS and significant storage capacitance, there is absolutely no degradation in sound quality as you increase the volume even to very high levels.
Ken
cmarin
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I've owned the Soulution 710 and 711 stereo amps and now the 701 monos.
I remember the predecessor 700 monos being described as sterile, but the 701s in my opinion are anything but that.
In my direct experience and to my ears, the cleaner the signal fed to the 701s, the more musical and engaging they become.
The 701s are all about tonal precision, transparency and extended highs, but above all else dynamics, bass control and relaxed headroom.
Undoubtedly, it's difficult for any one amp to be the best in every sound quality category or musical genre. The Soulutions can't match the midrange palpability of a great SET like the Kondo Kaguras for example; but then again, the SETs can't match the dynamics and punch of the Soulutions. Nevertheless, both the Soulutions and Kaguras come close to the ideal.
The Soulutions are an excellent match with Magicos. They'll reveal any noise upstream whether from the input power, cables, vibration or components. But they'll reward you handsomely the more noise you remove from the upstream feed.
Paired with the right room, clean power, vibration and noise control, and transparent upstream components and speakers, they're absolutely worth every penny.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I remember the predecessor 700 monos being described as sterile, but the 701s in my opinion are anything but that.
In my direct experience and to my ears, the cleaner the signal fed to the 701s, the more musical and engaging they become.
The 701s are all about tonal precision, transparency and extended highs, but above all else dynamics, bass control and relaxed headroom.
Undoubtedly, it's difficult for any one amp to be the best in every sound quality category or musical genre. The Soulutions can't match the midrange palpability of a great SET like the Kondo Kaguras for example; but then again, the SETs can't match the dynamics and punch of the Soulutions. Nevertheless, both the Soulutions and Kaguras come close to the ideal.
The Soulutions are an excellent match with Magicos. They'll reveal any noise upstream whether from the input power, cables, vibration or components. But they'll reward you handsomely the more noise you remove from the upstream feed.
Paired with the right room, clean power, vibration and noise control, and transparent upstream components and speakers, they're absolutely worth every penny.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
BayStBroker
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I've been told that the use of negative feedback is what makes the Soulution sound so amazing. The implementation is revolutionary and takes distortion down by another degree. The superabundance of capacitance in the power supplies of Soulution is also noteworthy. This latter aspect is neither new nor particularly difficult to implement. Manufacturers are just reluctant to pay for more capacitors and consumers don't like the space it takes up. But it helps the sound. My preamp from Blue Circle has over 300,000 mF in its power supply. Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle has long been an advocate of superabundant storage in the power supply. In fact he argues that no amount is too much. It just keeps sounding better.
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mep
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I've been told that the use of negative feedback is what makes the Soulution sound so amazing. The implementation is revolutionary and takes distortion down by another degree. The superabundance of capacitance in the power supplies of Soulution is also noteworthy. This latter aspect is neither new nor particularly difficult to implement. Manufacturers are just reluctant to pay for more capacitors and consumers don't like the space it takes up. But it helps the sound. My preamp from Blue Circle has over 300,000 mF in its power supply. Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle has long been an advocate of superabundant storage in the power supply. In fact he argues that no amount is too much. It just keeps sounding better.
Was the white goop applied at the factory? That doesn't look like something a factory would do.
laynesaddiction
Member
Mike, Ken (Alpinist), and cmarin: Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and experience with these amplifiers as I really appreciate it. From all three of your replies it seems that this company does indeed provide SOTA solid-state amps, but also a nice balance of strengths across the spectrum (i.e., they are not a one-trick where one element is world class and others are so-so).
I agree that it is not possible for any amp (as cmarin points out) to be the best across the board for every category or musical genre, but from what you state; it certainly appears that these amps have hit it out of the park across the board. I also agree with Mike that once you state to play in the same league as these amps (this is true of any component imho) most offer slightly different flavors than others with none totally running away with the show.
I tend to think and say "they are all good at this level, it is just what particular areas that are important to you that make you prefer one over the other."
Thanks again for all the comments and I look forward to the day I get to hear these and formulate my own opinion.
Happy 2017 also to all of you.
I agree that it is not possible for any amp (as cmarin points out) to be the best across the board for every category or musical genre, but from what you state; it certainly appears that these amps have hit it out of the park across the board. I also agree with Mike that once you state to play in the same league as these amps (this is true of any component imho) most offer slightly different flavors than others with none totally running away with the show.
I tend to think and say "they are all good at this level, it is just what particular areas that are important to you that make you prefer one over the other."
Thanks again for all the comments and I look forward to the day I get to hear these and formulate my own opinion.
Happy 2017 also to all of you.