Seymour AV ICE Block Monoblocks

[chriscmore]

Thanks for all the info, Chris! I would appreciate some more insight on the statement quoted above. If it's explained on your website, feel free to just direct me there.

Thanks, again.

I didn't put it on the website because they're typically left on all the time. When powered on from cold start, they don't image correctly and sound a bit harsh or glassy in the lower treble until the components warm up, which usually takes about 20 minutes depending on what they're asked to do.

Do you notice any changes in sound from your receiver or amps from a cold start? You can directly measure the change in values for some components as they warm, most commonly reisistors. This is typical of discrete components in analog designs. Many designs still draw, even when they're in standby. My Lexicon MC12B processor's standby draws something like 45w, keeping drifty components warm. The Ice Blocks idle at 7.5w, 9w, or 15.8w.

The forthcoming multichannel won't idle but will drop to a true triggered standby. No other details on that at this time, though.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Cavediver]

Your website indicates you are using the ASP modules. However, your specs don't match those on B&O's website.

 

[chriscmore]

Your website indicates you are using the ASP modules. However, your specs don't match those on B&O's website.

Which specs don't match where on their website? I need specifics to address.

 

[focker]

How do your Ice Blocks run speakers that run in the 3ohm range (THD, power, ect.), in this case B&W 800 series?

 

[Cavediver]

Which specs don't match where on their website? I need specifics to address.

Wattage output is one example.

 

[chriscmore]

How do your Ice Blocks run speakers that run in the 3ohm range (THD, power, ect.), in this case B&W 800 series?

They handle 2.7 ohms nominal continuously, and can dip below 2 as long as it's not average. Genesis, for example, dip to around 1.6 and they handle them just fine.

In listening tests on the B&W 800D, a former sales manager at a blue-chip audio dealer found that in comparison to the Ayre MX-D ($20k/pr), the 5001 Ice Blocks toned down some of the harshness that the 800Ds can exhibit and sounded a bit more natural. In comparison to the Classe CAM-400s (~$10k/pr?), he thought they sounded more similarly smooth on the top end, but the Classe had a bit more extension in the bottom. While the 5001 are my general favorite Ice Block, the 10001 are more dynamic with deeper extension in the bottom octave, so if you're trying not to use a sub, then I'd recommend the 10001. If you do have them crossed over, I'd recommend the 5001.

The 800Ds are typically pretty easy to drive compared to others in their price class, but they soak up the power when you have it. Maggies are similar: pretty benign load, but hardly ever enough power in reserve.

There are a lot of charts that you could be asking for. I've pasted the 5001 THD chart below, but for all of them you can access the module data sheets here: http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/en/solutions/speaker/ASP_SERIES

Cheers,
Chris

 

[chriscmore]

Wattage output is one example.

It depends on what wattage output you're referring to, which is why we put "rated power" as the general power classification that we would like the product compared with, and "max output power" right out of the ASP data sheets.

For example, the following amps all use the same 1000ASP module and thus have identical specifications but are classified and/or named so that they are positioned however the company sees fit.

Jeff Roland 501 ($7000/pr), Output Power: Continuous RMS @ 8 ohms - 500 watts, @ 4 ohms - 1000 watts
Bel Canto REF1000 ($4000/pr), Power Output: >1000W into 4 ohms, >500W into 8 ohms
Seymour AV Ice Block 10001 ($2800/pr), Rated Power, Channels, 1000w x 1

Because wattage output is more complexed than one number, I also publish the exact ASP max output power specs for different loads:
Max Output Power, 0.1% THD+N, 1kHz (AES17 filter), 1100w (4.0Ω)
600w (8.0Ω)

Their 1kHz power specs in the 2-page spec sheets are a different test than their 10-20k specs in their 27-page papers. If you want even finer resolution (P vs. THD vs. I), check out their charts.