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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
sgr
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Within the Bel Canto line, I suggest the Reference 500 monoblpocks. . . they use the same ICEpower 500ASP that you have deployed, but John Sytronczer has built around them an amplifier that is incredibly musical. I have evaluated their bigger broter, the REF 1000 Mk.2 for Positive Feedback, and the bass is very delightful. G.
wireless200
415 posts
 
One caveat on the ref500s. Although they are supposed to be the best sounding amp Bel Canto makes per John, according to my dealer he hasn't sold any. Why? Because the Ref1000s are only about $500 more so customers either buy the ref1000s or drop way down in the price range to the s500 (almost half the price of a pair of ref500s). Or they drop down to the ref1000s Mk1s at 2/3s of the price of the MkIIs. I've read that the Is sound pretty close to the mkIIs. Just something to consider if you plan to sell at some point.
sgr's avatar
sgr OP
689 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. The Legacy Helix cannot be run full range. They are designed to be quad amped with a stereo amp for the treble, a stereo amp for the midrange, a stereo amp for the bass, and a stereo amp for the subs. The setup from Legacy included ICE amps for the subs, ICE amps for the bass drivers which are built inside the speakers cabinet. My Levinson monos are arranged as follows one pair for the midrange, one pair for the treble drivers. I've chosen to use monoblocks (which I owned already) so that each speaker sees about 1,750 watts per channel. This is truly a remarkable and innovative setup. Please read the Dagogo review on the Helix speakers.

Again I'm glad for all your help and suggestions.
Oh, I'm using silver interconnects from Signal Cable from all the crossover connections to the speakers.

Thanks,
STeve
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
i had two dig. amps,Bass was extremely powerful and pretty detailed,but when it got right down to it it was just way to much,all anybody hears about is the high damping factor,,blah blah blah.Now i have a Counterpoint amp,do i at times want a bit more bass sure i do.What i found is bass and quality of it is way way more dependent on the RECORDING if its strong on the recording,its more then good enough on my system,I think my damping factor is 75.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
With 98db sensitivity and over a kilowatt per side, I'd say power was not your problem.
Setup? Are these speakers a new-2-you install? Have you tried some room mods? Are they located optimally?
The 'd' amps may simply pass the signal more quickly or slowly than the amps it is paired with. Sound travels about 14" per milisecond, so it won't take much time differrence to 'smear' the image. Phase/timing issues will destroy many of the phase/ spatial q's which you complain about. Likewise, cables should be the near-last thing to worry about.
Sounds like your speakers could also be out of *relative* phase, at least in the sub module.....? hmmmm
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