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ICE amps vs analog amps for bass

I'm currently running Legacy Helix loudspeakers. The bass and subwoofers are being driven by two pair of 500 watt ICE amplifier modules while the Midrange and treble frequencies are being driven by two pair of Levinson 436 amplifiers. While originally auditioning the speakers I heard them with analog amps on the bass, treble, and midrange sections and the sound was superb. However, I was assured that the ICE amps would be sufficient to drive the bass sections so I've given them a try. However the bass sounds funny. I don't hear the impact, definition, and subtle "spatial cues" that I know are in the recordings.
I partially am blaming the ICE modules. I'd sure like some input in solving the problem. I can "upgrade" to "analog" amps for the bass if I choose, but for space reasons and economic reasons, would prefer to continue to use the ICE amps. I'm considering Parasound JC-1s, or Bryston 7bs, for the bass if I switch.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Steve
128x128sgr
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Steve, how many hours have you played music on those speakers? Can I assume the bass amps are the Legacy PowerBlocks?
sgr's avatar
sgr OP
689 posts
 
I don't believe they are the Powerblocks. They appear to be unmodified ICE Power Modules. Yes they have played more than 500 houes as I've had them sinse May.
dcrugby
96 posts
 
my response would probably fall under the category of "covering all the bases" and you've probably already thought about it, but i would just make sure your cables are up to the job. seems like they sould sound good with decent power, interconnect, and speaker cables.

my martin logan summits (which i believe use ice modules in them to power the woofers) react quite differently to which interconnect (and power cable) is used for the bass frequencies - and to a lesser extent, speaker wire.

quite a few interconnects i've tried with them make them sound slower and woolier (i feed the panels and the woofers separately). i've had very good luck with silver interconnects on the bass, you could try a mac ultra silver, for example, for a ridiculously low cost.

good luck
raquel
841 posts
 
Parasound JC-1's for the bass would be like drinking a top-shelf Burgundy with a taco - they're better than your Levinson monoblocks and would sound superb full-range on your Legacy's.

You may not have an A/C power supply that's sympathetic to Class D amplification. If you could get a hold of a power supply for the ICe modules, like Rowland's power supply, you would get a lot more performance.

That said, I again suggest running your Legacy's full-range with JC-1's, or even better, going with a much lower wattage amp like Pass's XA series or the darTZeel. A 98 db. efficient speaker gives you the luxury of avoiding high-powered amps, which require feedback to stabilize the circuit and have too many output devices to provide natural sound.
wireless200
415 posts
 
Maybe you need to try a different brand. You know even analog amps sound quite different from brand-to-brand. I have a class A/B amp on my main system and tried many As and A/Bs on both it and my second system. I just bought a Bel Canto (Class D) amp for my second system and the bass is very good. Also it didn't take long to break in and doesn't need to be left on all the time, although I think idle power draw is only 17 watts so it wouldn't matter much in that regard. I turn it off because I prefer the blue power diode off at night in my bedroom although it's not bad (not like the Pass backlight that lit up the whole room). It sounds great right on power up. I suggest you consider a different amp. Especially for bass only, you shouldn't need to worry about any of the criticisms on Class D. In fact Class D amps are almost universally regarded for their bass performance.
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