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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

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,574 posts
 
Sgr, if your speakers are 98 db, its very likely that they will not play very good bass using an amplifier with a high damping factor.

The reason is that a high damping factor is synonymous with amplifiers that can double the power as impedance is cut in half. That works for some speakers, but not very often for speakers with high efficiency. Such speakers are often expecting that the amp will make the **same** power, regardless of impedance! for more information see:

http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/paradigm_paper2.html

If I were you I would get an amplifier that you can run full-range- IME/IMO bi-amplified systems never work as well as full-range, provided the speaker is designed to be able to operate either way.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,574 posts
 
The Legacy Studio monitors are Voltage Paradigm devices. So if you are looking for better bass on them, I would look into placement that allows you to take advantage of corners in the room, shorten the speaker cables if you can, stuff like that.
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