Amp recommendation for 804D

[Andrewjvt]

A pair of mono blocks 180M
On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance
(20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm
RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm
XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm
Input sensivity for rated output 1 V
Max. peak current > 100 A
THD (measured at 1 kHz
half power, 8 W) < 0,001 %
THD (measured at 1 kHz
-1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 %
Noise
(measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV
10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W
4 ohms 380 W
2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption
(no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions
Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches
Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches
Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches
Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

 

[Electro]

@electro

That's all well and good but will the two be tonally compatible?

I think that is up to the op to decide, but yes they are tonally compatible imo.

The original Electrocompaniet Nemo mono's which are just 4x AW180 mono's bridged were built to drive the very difficult to drive B&W 801 Nautilus speakers so in theory all things being equal they should be made for the job if the B&W range is tonally similar . .

http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/300electro/

The whole point of building amllifiers as arc welders is to have them absolutely flat and transparent, impervious to speaker impedance changes. If an amp at that price range has a tonal character and has no valves glowing, better chuck it in the bin. A great amp is super flat at all loads, all the time. Maintaining that with the B&W Nautilus is a hi-end badge of honor. The designer Laurence Dickie made no compromises to make amplifiers life easier. Neither did Per Abrahamsen when he picked up the torch.

I agree with you Vlad, I never think about the tonal balance of my amps because they don't really have one.

Some people think Electrocompaniet amps have a warm tonal character compared to other amps but it's not true, it is just a lack of added distortion that allows the music to sound more real and non fatiguing and this is mistaken for warmth.

 

[Vladimir]

Hi hidehide

Something that slipped my mind yesterday is that a few weeks ago i was extremely imprresed at hearing Monitor Audio's Platinum PL300's being driven by Auralic's Polaris amplifier. Based on this i would recommend that you should also try to look at and hear the Polaris as for a realtively small amp its got some serious zip.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Is that a Set-top box? *sad*

Its tiny power supply is the size suitable for preamps, streamers and CDPs.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

By saying Electrocompanier, which model are you referring to? I might have a look at it as well.

I'm new to all these, what should I look at when pairing the amp. Andrewjvt mentioned the dipping and CnoEvil 4Ohms... I agreed the look of the Luxman is much better than Hegel.

And the USB issue scares me off as I planned to use the amp for a long time given the price isn't cheap at all!

He is the expert in electro gear. Hopefully he will be around to help

I think a picture ( or two ) is worth a thousand words. *smile*

AW250, 1100wpc into 1 ohm, 100 amps of current delivery, it will drive the B&W's without even trying.

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/aw250r.html

My preference is a pair of AW180 monoblocks that have almost the same output but have more refinements and even bigger heatsinks and and an even more ultra dynamic sound and several killowatts of reseve transient power.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1210/electrocompaniet_aw180.htm

And the star, the EC 4.8 pre amp, one of the best pre amps at any price in my and many other peoples opinion.

http://www.dagogo.com/electrocompaniet-ec-4-8-preamplifier-review

Hope this helps, but even if it doesn't it's been fun doing it. *biggrin*

I agree if I had the money the monoblocks would be on my list to buy also the OP needs to look at the abrahamsen 2up which has plenty of power for any kind of speaker .

 

[Vladimir]

My PC uses this much at full load.

 

[nopiano]

My PC uses this much at full load.

Not very eco is it!?

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before, though the super models from Musical Fidelity (Titan and something KW) and D'Agostino head in that direction.

 

[Vladimir]

 
My PC uses this much at full load.

Not very eco is it!?  

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim.  I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before, though the super models from Musical Fidelity (Titan and something KW) and D'Agostino head in that direction. 

A LOT of joules of energy gets stored in that power supply. Which is good since dynamic speakers are current driven devices.
Also practical if you need to weld your fence or bike in a pinch.

How much power do I need (video)

 

[plastic penguin]

By saying Electrocompanier, which model are you referring to? I might have a look at it as well.

I'm new to all these, what should I look at when pairing the amp. Andrewjvt mentioned the dipping and CnoEvil 4Ohms... I agreed the look of the Luxman is much better than Hegel.

And the USB issue scares me off as I planned to use the amp for a long time given the price isn't cheap at all!

He is the expert in electro gear. Hopefully he will be around to help

I think a picture ( or two ) is worth a thousand words. *smile*

AW250, 1100wpc into 1 ohm, 100 amps of current delivery, it will drive the B&W's without even trying.

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/aw250r.html

My preference is a pair of AW180 monoblocks that have almost the same output but have more refinements and even bigger heatsinks and and an even more ultra dynamic sound and several killowatts of reseve transient power.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1210/electrocompaniet_aw180.htm

And the star, the EC 4.8 pre amp, one of the best pre amps at any price in my and many other peoples opinion.

http://www.dagogo.com/electrocompaniet-ec-4-8-preamplifier-review

Hope this helps, but even if it doesn't it's been fun doing it. *biggrin*

Have you considered upgrading to the Leema Pulse mkI? I hear one is soon to hit the bay.

Joking, aren't you? I know the Pulse is very grippy but every component has its limits. The Tucana would be a better option if anyone's thinking about using a Leema.

 

[Vladimir]

By saying Electrocompanier, which model are you referring to? I might have a look at it as well.

I'm new to all these, what should I look at when pairing the amp. Andrewjvt mentioned the dipping and CnoEvil 4Ohms... I agreed the look of the Luxman is much better than Hegel.

And the USB issue scares me off as I planned to use the amp for a long time given the price isn't cheap at all!

He is the expert in electro gear. Hopefully he will be around to help

I think a picture ( or two ) is worth a thousand words. *smile*

AW250, 1100wpc into 1 ohm, 100 amps of current delivery, it will drive the B&W's without even trying.

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/poweramp/aw250r.html

 

My preference is a pair of AW180 monoblocks that have almost the same output but have more refinements and even bigger heatsinks and and an even more ultra dynamic sound and several killowatts of reseve transient power.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1210/electrocompaniet_aw180.htm

 

And the star, the EC 4.8 pre amp, one of the best pre amps at any price in my and many other peoples opinion.

 

http://www.dagogo.com/electrocompaniet-ec-4-8-preamplifier-review

Hope this helps, but even if it doesn't it's been fun doing it. *biggrin*

 

Have you considered upgrading to the Leema Pulse mkI? I hear one is soon to hit the bay.

Joking, aren't you? I know the Pulse is very grippy but every component has its limits. The Tucana would be a better option if anyone's thinking about using a Leema.

You are too tightly wound for a polymeric figurine.

 

[Electro]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[Al ears]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

 

[Vladimir]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

 

[Vladimir]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Older ECs were biased more into Class A and run warmer, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Al ears]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Older ECs were biased more into Class A and run warmer, if I'm not mistaken.

Correct.Not so cool then?

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi hidehide

Something that slipped my mind yesterday is that a few weeks ago i was extremely imprresed at hearing Monitor Audio's Platinum PL300's being driven by Auralic's Polaris amplifier. Based on this i would recommend that you should also try to look at and hear the Polaris as for a realtively small amp its got some serious zip.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Is that a Set-top box? *sad*

Its tiny power supply is the size suitable for preamps, streamers and CDPs.

Hi Vladimir

The Polaris is relatively small however based on what i've heard it can punch above its size and weight. For almost two hours of listening the Polaris remained unfazed by the Platinum PL300's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Vladimir]

Hi hidehide

Something that slipped my mind yesterday is that a few weeks ago i was extremely imprresed at hearing Monitor Audio's Platinum PL300's being driven by Auralic's Polaris amplifier. Based on this i would recommend that you should also try to look at and hear the Polaris as for a realtively small amp its got some serious zip.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Is that a Set-top box? *sad*

Its tiny power supply is the size suitable for preamps, streamers and CDPs.

Hi Vladimir

The Polaris is relatively small however based on what i've heard it can punch above its size and weight. For almost two hours of listening the Polaris remained unfazed by the Platinum PL300's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

It's just a meaningles platitude we all use on all small amps. It is what it is, be it Jesus in Rio statue or a garden gnome.

 

[nopiano]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

 

[Diamond Joe]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous...

 

[Electro]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous...

How can you say that ! *shok*

They are absolutely beautiful in a primeval way, those stunning Larvkite fronts will still be around in 100 million years although the amp itself might need a service and recap by then. *biggrin*

 

[Vladimir]

 

[lindsayt]

Hi nopiano
Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

There's something strange going on with that Plinius.

It doesn't come remotely close to doubling power from 8 ohms (300 watts) to 4 ohms (450 watts).

And yet they claim peaks of 100 amps output. Into 4 ohms that'd be 40000 watts! Is there some marketing nonsense going on here, where the amp can feed 1000 watts for a nano-second into a 0.1 ohm load?

 

[Andrewjvt]

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE  > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

There's something strange going on with that Plinius.

It doesn't come remotely close to doubling power from 8 ohms (300 watts) to 4 ohms (450 watts).

And yet they claim peaks of 100 amps output. Into 4 ohms that'd be 40000 watts! Is there some marketing nonsense going on here, where the amp can feed 1000 watts for a nano-second into a 0.1 ohm load?

Good point lindsay
Also if you feed over 50w constant into most drivers, they would fry.

 

[Vladimir]

The Plinius SA-100 Mk.II battleship doesn't measure as good as Electrocompaniet Nemo in Stereophile tests. Any tests available of the Hegel H30?

@Andrewjvt

Found this on Stereophile regarding the H160:

Its digital/analog circuitry is workmanlike rather than the state of the art, but a standalone digital processor offering better performance than this is going to cost as least as much as the Hegel's $3500.—John Atkinson

vis-a-vis your comments about the internal DAC.

 

[Andrewjvt]

The Plinius SA-100 Mk.II battleship doesn't measure as good as Electrocompaniet Nemo in Stereophile tests. Any tests available of the Hegel H30?

@Andrewjvt

Found this on Stereophile regarding the H160:

Its digital/analog circuitry is workmanlike rather than the state of the art, but a standalone digital processor offering better performance than this is going to cost as least as much as the Hegel's $3500.—John Atkinson

vis-a-vis your comments about the internal DAC.

 

Imo
Its very hard to distinguish differences between dacs
When done short term.

I definately think i hear better details on the benchmark dac. Or maybe its just different. I prefer the benchmark.

Regards the stereophile test on the h160 the thing that really bugged me was the h160 overheating while being conditioned for testing.
Leading to remarks such as a fine sounding amp as long as you dont want to use it for parties.

We actually spoke about this over a year ago as i was worried and you reassured me that john attikson really hammers the amps.
But many other makes dont fail the pre condition test. I specifically look for this in the reviews now.

Dont know if you read last months hifi news test of hegels cd player mohican
Was not a bad review but some of the comments and comparrisons were dissapointing and also the tests after.

Makes me think manufacturers make a name for themselves then think about making money over quality.
I mean £3900 for a cd player is massive and the measurements are not state of the art.