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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

Showing 5 responses by guidocorona

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.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Steve, what ICEpower based amps are you using? If you are using bare modules, which ICE modules? What is the sensitivity and impedance of your speakers bass section?

The other issue is that ICEpower amps take a long time to break in. . . before about 500 hours of break in they sound rather dry in the bass. They also take long to warm up. . . when powered up, once again, they sound dry. . . you can leave them on 24/7 with minimum use of AC.
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?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Steve, ICepower is a technology with great potential. . . and with that go a lot of dangers. The problem is that while ICEpower ASP modules can be used to designed some very remarkable high end amps with bass texturing to die for, like the Bel Cantos already discussed and like the Roland Continuum 512 and the Rowland 312, they can also be used -- essentially by themselves -- to implement some absolutely bare bone devices, which sound like, well. . . what you are hearing from your bass drivers.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Coffeey, I tend to agree with you. . . except that I hear badly reproduced bass on a great many amps, regardless of underlying technology. . . Very good bass is reproduced by very few amps, and some of these excellent bass reproducers happen to be ICEpower amps.
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