New Amplifier

[raindance]

What does 20 or 40 mean? Is that the Arcams internal volume indicator? What's full then? 100?

If so, don't worry at all. You can easily keep it at 40 without damaging the device. Those are usually designed to operate for a long time even in high output power.

Someone needs to explain about gain structure vs power... Again... The random number displayed tells you nothing about power.

 

[Daverz]

Thanks all ..

I have two pairs of speakers:

1 pair of BW 804s - 17 years old.

1 pair of Kef R3 meta - 1 year old.

2 small subs - Cambridge x201. My room is about 70m2 (753 feet).

And the Arcam has Dirac? Seems like you have everything you need for optimizing stereo playback in your room.

 

[RexrothPigeon]

a new amp won't improve your sound, full stop

 

[BassTinker]

Someone needs to explain about gain structure vs power... Again... The random number displayed tells you nothing about power.

True, but Arcam knows what they are doing. So I am pretty sure that their Volume knob is not linear and that 100 is the maximum that the amp can safely deliver. IMO not necessary to get into the science here. 40% will be safe to use for a long period (except maybe for your ears if your speaker is very sensitive ).

 

[raindance]

True, but Arcam knows what they are doing. So I am pretty sure that their Volume knob is not linear and that 100 is the maximum that the amp can safely deliver. IMO not necessary to get into the science here. 40% will be safe to use for a long period (except maybe for your ears if your speaker is very sensitive ).

What you just said is untrue for almost any amplifier. Many amplifiers reach full output at around 70% volume because they try to provide sufficient gain for low volume recordings.

 

[BassTinker]

What you just said is untrue for almost any amplifier. Many amplifiers reach full output at around 70% volume because they try to provide sufficient gain for low volume recordings.

Even if so (which I doubt), it doesn't make any difference for the discussion we are having.

 

[Mark609]

Interesting, would love to see measurements.

EDIT: Oh, I already have my answer: "FREQUENCY REPSONSE 5Hz to 500Hz". The only monoblock that they are offering is a sub-only amp. So they are completely out of what OP is looking for. " Superb in all respects" does not include frequency range then I guess.

EDIT2: Okay, OP is not necessarily looking for monoblock. But still, measurements of the SpeakerPower would be interesting. I love claims that get supported by science

No it isn't sub woofer only, please read my original post. They customize at NO charge and super fast service - one day in, next day out.

I said that SpeakerPower, Rico, General manager, will program their amps to your liking. Service is over the top - I sent 2 amps back to him and got one back full range (no Xover limits, full range) for my center speaker and the other amp with a LF shelf filter to drive my two DIY subs (in parallel, 8 ohm each speaker). Not only did he waive a $100 tech fee but UPS postage was covered both ways from Texas to California! They were out of their 30 day Satisfaction return date.

Can't beat it!

 

[Mark609]

Yeah... maybe just the curiosity to test things out and try something new... or, as we say in Brazil: looking for trouble, haha.

Somebody's got money to burn. I understand The Fever quite well.

 

[Multicore]

Despite criticism from so-called "audiophiles" in Brazil who insist that using Dirac is rubbish, I used it with an SA45 and a UMIK-1 and liked it.

Yeah, I really like the result of using Dirac Live.

So, instead of buying a new amp or whatnot, spend your money on a really complicated-looking turntable to outdo those Brazilian audiophiles. You don't have to use it. Or go in the opposite direction and get a Technics SL1200 to show what you think of audiophile opinions. Again, you don't have to use it to make your statement.(*)

Fwiw, I agree with others here that upgrading your amp isn't likely to improve the sound.




(*) Actually it turns out there are a lot of things you can spend money on that aren't hifi gear.

 

[CDMC]

Aside from optimizing your current setup, what stands out to me that would improve your current setup would be a pair of larger subs. For your sized space, the subs you have are (and calling them subs is generous as they are 6.5” and have little output capability) incapable of filling the space. Get a couple of RSL 12s, HSU ULS-15, or similar.

 

[Digital_Thor]

Good point. If you got place to experiment, then most ok subwoofers like SVS and the like, could easily make the overall sound much more engaging and fulfilling.
Experimenting with the right settings and placement is the actual key to success.

 

[nonothingaudio]

Good morning,
I would like to buy a Class D amplifier—either Purifi or Hypex.
I have a few questions:
Is there any sonic advantage to buying separate mono modules?
I’d like to buy online from the US, but the company I looked at—Buckeye—takes too long to deliver.
Do you have any recommendations for other manufacturers?
Also, is there a significant difference in sound between Purifi and Hypex?
I currently own an Arcam SA45, but I want to use a more powerful amplifier by connecting it to the Arcam's pre-out terminals.
I appreciate any comments.
Thank you.

I placed my order at Buckeye for the NCx500 stereo on July 17th and I'm already anxious for delivery. I'm going to run it in place of my Monolith 2x200 for now. Yep, just want to try class D amplification. I plan to keep the AB class Monolith. I'll run my NAS collection to it via the Cambridge CXN100 XLR outs. Will be driving my Polk Lsim707's with dual SVS SB2000 connected to the CXN100 RCA outs. I also have two older pairs of Maggies, the entry level, and the MG1 that I will try again with the new amplification. WAF on the MG1s is low...

 

[Willem]

Aside from optimizing your current setup, what stands out to me that would improve your current setup would be a pair of larger subs. For your sized space, the subs you have are (and calling them subs is generous as they are 6.5” and have little output capability) incapable of filling the space. Get a couple of RSL 12s, HSU ULS-15, or similar.

Indeed, two more and larger subs will give you more power where it counts, more low end extension and impact, and if combined with your existing smaller subs a smoother and tighter response.

 

[Jaudio7]

I place my order for a Buckeye Purifi amp on June 24th. It is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.

 

[Chrispy]

I usually listen to my Arcam system at a volume level of 40, but I’d like to keep it at 20 or lower to avoid straining the equipment. Plus, the neighbors here would kill me if I played it too loud.
I don't really have an idea of my speakers' limits—specifically, how many decibels they can handle without risking damage to the components—so I'm curious about that.

Arbitrary volume "numbers" don't mean a lot let alone are comparable or translate to some specific output.....however, if not being played particularly loudly likely you're not stressing your amp at all (perhaps get a spl meter app for your smart phone and report levels you're listening at).

 

[Abdo]

Arbitrary volume "numbers" don't mean a lot let alone are comparable or translate to some specific output.....however, if not being played particularly loudly likely you're not stressing your amp at all (perhaps get a spl meter app for your smart phone and report levels you're listening at).

When I listen to something very loud—around 70 to 90 dB...

 

[Chrispy]

When I listen to something very loud—around 70 to 90 dB...

Average or peak?

ps also are you applying a particular scale? Z might be best....

 

[EJ3]

I agree with you; changing the room setup could help, but I have limitations regarding making changes.
Despite criticism from so-called "audiophiles" in Brazil who insist that using Dirac is rubbish, I used it with an SA45 and a UMIK-1 and liked it.

Is there anyway that you could have larger subs: 2 small subs - Cambridge x201 are more for desk spaces and 36 (-6DB) Hz-200Hz is not really a sub-woofer. You would need to properly integrate them (perhaps with Dirac?) to even the sound out. But that would give you lower Bass (consider that the low note on a standard keyboard piano is around 27 Hz, the x201 are not (and likely cannot) reproduce that to be loud enough to be audible within the rest of the music.
I have custom made subs that can reach to 20Hz but the cabinets for them are quite large.
If I were purchasing subs based on space constraints (provided that they fit where needed)but wanted good sound, I would highly consider a pair with the dimensions of the:

• Speedwoofer 10S MKII

More Power. Deeper Bass. Greater Control.

The Speedwoofer 10S MKII builds on the legacy of the original Speedwoofer 10S - our most popular subwoofer platform - and elevates it with more power, deeper extension, and enhanced dynamic performance; delivering a subwoofer that feels stronger, more responsive, and more versatile.

At its core is RSL’s XDR™ (Extended Dynamic Range) DSP amplifier, delivering 400 watts RMS and over 1000 watts peak power for increased headroom and effortless output . The result is bass that hits harder, reaches deeper, and maintains control even at higher listening levels.

The 10S MKII is ideal for:

• Medium to large living rooms and media spaces
• Dedicated music and home theater systems
• Enthusiasts who want even more output and deeper bass than 10E
• Discerning audiophiles, who may also need speaker level connections

The 10S MKII strikes the perfect balance between size, power, and performance.

Features:

• 400 watts RMS / 1020 watts peak
• Cast-frame 10” woofer w/ improved thermal capacity
• LFE mode offers deeper extension (22Hz!)
• Music mode matches original 10S w/ improved dynamics
• Rear-vented Compression Guide™ tuning
• Wireless receiver built in. Option to add transmitter during checkout*
• Black 10S MKII includes black grille / white 10S MKII now includes heather gray grille

Terms & Conditions:

• Free shipping within the 48 states!
• 
  
• Discounted international shipping available.
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• Factory new Speedwoofers include a 30-day in-home trial period.
  • $50 return fee applies per 10S MKII from the 48 states. (measure your space!)
• Cancellations must be requested prior to shipping. A 3.5% cancellation fee will apply.

White Speedwoofers now include heather gray grilles (white available separately)

Speedwoofer 10S MKII​

Overview
The Speedwoofer 10S MKII takes the multi-award-winning and revolutionary performance of the original to the next level. A brand new RSL XDR™ series (extended dynamic range) proprietary DSP amplifier design, delivers even more peak and continuous power than ever before – 400 watts RMS with 1020 watts peak. The XDR™ amplifier now offers selectable dual mode DSP for a more optimized movie and music experience. Select movie mode (LFE) to use the MKII’s extra power for deeper bass extension and higher output. Music mode sets the performance to match the original 10S performance but with more power and greater dynamics. A new rear-vented Compression Guide™ tuning achieves the same class leading performance but with reduced air restriction and port noise.

SPECIFICATIONS
Speedwoofer 10S MKII

• Frequency Response:
  • MKII/LFE mode (anechoic): 22-200 Hz ± 3db
  • MKII/LFE mode (+ room gain): ~18-200 Hz ± 3db (varies with room size)
• Woofer:
  • 10” 400+ watt rated woofer
  • 4 ohm nominal Impedance
  • Die-cast aluminum frame
  • High-Excursion FEA optimized design motor structure
    • 1008 low-carbon steel motor parts (T-yoke and field plate)
    • Premium grade dual-stacked ceramic magnets
    • Ultra-high Temp (200° C), Multi-layer Copper Voice Coil
  • High yield fatigue-resistant Nomex™ spider
  • Kevlar™ reinforced paper cone with full anodized aluminum dust cap
  • High durability NBR surround
  • High duty cycle flexible tinsel lead wire with strain relief feature
• Enclosure:
  • Rear-vented Compression Guide™ tuning
  • Integrated cross-bracing reinforcement
  • ¾” thick MDF woofer panels
  • Laminated 1” front woofer baffle
  • Removable cloth grille (black / heather gray)
• XDR Series Amplifier:
  • 400 watts RMS < 1% THD
  • 1020 watts peak
  • Selectable dual-mode DSP – LFE/Music
  • Integrated double-precision 56-bit, 50 MIPS DSP processor
  • Intelligent class D topology, >85% Efficiency
  • Signal to noise ratio: >85dB
  • Auto-ON Threshold: 3mV
  • Auto-OFF: 20 minutes (no signal)
  • Stand-by power consumption: ~0.5 watts
  • Power Input: Selectable 110/230VAC 50-60Hz switch
  • Low EMI design, CE & C-Tick compliant
  • Line level RCA inputs and RCA pass-through signal outputs
  • Speaker level binding post inputs
  • Chassis ground screw
  • Wireless Pairing Button: Integrated 2.4GHz wireless receiver compatible with RSL AT-3 & AT-4 Transmitters
• Crossover Frequency: 40-200 Hz variable
• Crossover Slope: 24 dB/oct
• Phase Control: 0 to 180 continuously variable
• Power Input: 115V, 60Hz, 230V, 50/60Hz AC
• Feet: Includes 4 rubber feet
• Dimensions with Feet: H: 15 1/2” W: 15” D: 15 3/4”
• Weight: 40.6 lbs
• Shipping Dimensions: H: 20” W: 20” D:20”
• Shipped Weight: 48.6 lbs
• Fuse: 115V (T5.0AL/250V) – 230V (T2.5.0AL/250V)

 

[Steve Dallas]

Doubling the power supplied to a single speaker increases its loudness by 3dB, so +6dB for a pair. The volume level indicator on your Arcam would likely decrease from 40 to 34, assuming linearity. Just rock what you have.

 

[rjp]

I placed my order at Buckeye for the NCx500 stereo on July 17th and I'm already anxious for delivery. I'm going to run it in place of my Monolith 2x200 for now. Yep, just want to try class D amplification. I plan to keep the AB class Monolith. I'll run my NAS collection to it via the Cambridge CXN100 XLR outs. Will be driving my Polk Lsim707's with dual SVS SB2000 connected to the CXN100 RCA outs. I also have two older pairs of Maggies, the entry level, and the MG1 that I will try again with the new amplification. WAF on the MG1s is low...

I did the exact same. I purchased a Buckeye 2ch purifi 6525 just to see if I liked the class D sound. I've been comparing it with my Audiolab 9000P (Class AB) in a carefully level matched setup for about a month and they are nearly identical sounding. Sometimes I think I like the Class D better, but most times they are about the same. I was pleasantly surprised. At any rate, it has been a fun experiment.

Sometimes you just have to try new stuff!