Bakoon Products AMP-5570 High-End Power Amplifier

Equipped with HBK(I) circuit. A next-generation 100W amplifier that pursues a thick, powerful sound and dynamic performance.

The AMP-5570, based on test results from PA amplifiers, received the evaluation of **"so much information that you wouldn't think it's a PA amplifier"**, and has been reconstructed for pure audio use. Unlike the conventional SATRI-IC, which prioritizes ultra-high precision, this model focuses on strong, dynamic sound with a thick, powerful tone.

Core Technology: Discrete HBK(I)-IC (Hibiki) Circuit

• HBK(I) Circuit: The core technology of the AMP-5570 is the HBK(I)-IC (Hibiki). While the SATRI-IC’s main feature is current input, the HBK(I) operates with voltage input.
• Circuit Simplification: When connected to voltage signal sources such as CD players, no additional buffering or conversion circuits are needed, simplifying the structure. This results in faster audio signal transmission and reduced distortion.
• Sound Characteristics: Compared to amplifiers equipped with SATRI-IC, such as the AMP-5521, it has slightly lower precision, but in return, it delivers a sound with a thick, powerful tone.

BTL Mono Conversion and Flexible Connectivity

• High-Power Mono Mode: The AMP-5570 can be converted into a mono amplifier by connecting two units in BTL configuration, increasing the output from 100W to a powerful 300W.
• Easy Switching: Switching to BTL connection can be easily done using the input selection dial on the front panel.
• Input Options: Supports three inputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and BTL-XLR.
• Pure SATRI Circuit: For unbalanced RCA and BTL-XLR, the signal is amplified through a pure SATRI circuit without using an OP amp.
• Use of OP Amp: With XLR balanced inputs, the signal passes through an operational amplifier, which tends to result in a richer sound.

Enjoying the Omission of Current Transmission and Sound Quality Changes from Cables

• Omission of Current Transmission: Instead of adopting XLR, current transmission (SATRI-LINK) has been omitted.
• System Integration: Bakoon ProductsYou can enjoy integration with amplifiers other than ours. Additionally, you can also enjoy the sound quality variations with various RCA and XLR cables that were unnecessary with SATRI-LINK.

In short, the AMP-5570 is an amplifier that applies new technologies and new circuit methods, making comparisons with existing Baccun products meaningless. Engineer Mr. Nagai explains the technical background from various angles. How the circuits work, voltage and current, negative feedback... but do these really matter to us? Everything speaks for itself in the sound, yet just looking at its appearance first, it is larger than anything previously seen in Baccun products. It rivals the flagship amplifiers of other companies. It's a size that allows it to finally shed the derogatory label of 'lunchbox amp.' Placing it on a rack, I was impressed by its reliable presence. First impressions in visual terms are very important, and it already passes the mark in appearance. There’s also a detail that further enhances the design completeness of the AMP-5570. Sharp parts above and below the heat-dissipating pins that release heat from the amplifier have been fitted with protective plates bent by the manufacturer for user safety. It's a novel idea that gives a sense of security. The pearl-like black front panel has a charismatic vibe, and the orange Bakelite knobs, representing Baccun’s identity, approach with a simple yet powerful sensibility.
Looking at the back, this product uses XLR instead of current transmission (SATRI-LINK). This seems to be a choice to slightly reduce uniqueness. Thanks to this, high-end users can more easily choose cables. Instead of the previously limited BNC cables, you can connect a variety of readily available RCA or XLR cables. This amp allows easy switching between STEREO and MONO modes. After selecting 'BALANCED XLR BTL (MONO)' on the front input selector, simply plug the XLR interconnect into the rear 'BTL MONO L/R SIGNAL INPUT.' When connecting speaker cables, follow the rear panel instructions: connect the + side to the right speaker + terminal, and the - side to the left speaker + terminal.
The Bakun's power rating, which was listed as 15W, 21W, 35W, 97W, etc., is now a three-digit number. 100W per channel. For those who don't know, this number may be meaningless, but isn't it a bakun who made fun of the output of other companies' amplifiers while playing with large speakers? If it is Bakun's 100W, it should be considered that it can do other companies' amplifiers of 600-700W. If you add an AMP-5570 to this, insert an XLR cable, and turn the selector to BTL mono mode, you can easily become a monster-level amplifier with 300W per channel.
A faint heat that can be felt through the body of the amplifier. The warmth of a living being that says I'm working properly now. I really liked this warmth, as it seems to lead to the quality of the sound. Some Bakun models released in recent years captured accuracy, speed, and driving power, but had a "cool and clear" feel with a thin sound. A high-end power amplifier should have power, speed, and texture, but it was a sound on the borderline where texture and heat were in the middle. However, the AMP-5570 feels like it has added power, speed, and driving force to the deep appeasement color that the early high-end AMP-5513 had. The basic sound feel is similar to that of a vacuum tube, and it has an excellent ability to disconnect sound from the speaker at high speed. Powerful driving force sends the speaker unit to the exact position. As a result, there is no part where the balance of the band is broken. The microdynamics are also finely adjusted, and the nuances of the performers are excellent. Also, the secluded background is truly unrivaled. The background is black, like a black hole. Just before the music bursts, when the sound of a weak instrument begins in the pitch-black silence, it seems to see a ray of light in the thick darkness.
If we evaluate it carefully, it seems that the AMP-5570 could negatively impact the company's other amplifier sales. This is because it was released with a very realistic price. I would suggest choosing the AMP-5570 over more expensive low-end MONO amplifiers if your goal is to express the texture of instruments. When there are two or fewer sources, and you want to configure the optimal audio system with just one amplifier, I think it would be very difficult to find an alternative to the AMP-5570. In short, it’s sufficient to use it directly with your source like an integrated amplifier. Of course, it’s a power amplifier, not an integrated one, but you can use Bakoon’s unique gain adjustment feature through the volume control. This is possible because even at low gain, the balance of high, mid, and low frequencies is maintained, and there are no limitations in driving the speakers.
Bakoon ProductsHaving used it for a long time, I continue to be amazed by its progress. Many manufacturers tend to simply take already developed circuits or mechanisms, fit them into a newly designed chassis, and present them as something new. Of course, improving what you already have can also be considered development, but it’s closer to tuning rather than fundamental technological advancement. Aligning the chassis with current trends and swapping parts and materials is essentially tuning what has already been developed to suit preferences, rather than a technological breakthrough.
*Monthly Audio (http://www.audioht.co.kr)

Conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas and performed by the San Francisco Philharmonic, Mahler Symphony No. 1, 1st movement. Listening to the Bakun with current output, the resolution and speed are top-notch, and the rich musicality is still commendable, but I wondered if it would be possible to surpass this level without SATRI-LINK, but it turned out that listening to the AMP-5570 was in vain. The amount of information has increased, and the depiction and reverberation of the expanse of space have been excellent, adding energy and a sense of reality to each sound. A little fleshed out? Rather, I would say that it has become closer to the sound of an instrument. You can definitely feel the weight. I couldn't help but applaud lightly. Next, the liveliness of Jimmy Smith's live recording of "The Preacher" is given a slightly rough feel, adding to its appeal. The environment and atmosphere at the time of recording are fully expressed. Of course, the SATRI-LINK amplifier is great enough, but the AMP-5570 is much more realistic. It is more colorful, the energy is stronger, and the charm of the music itself impresses the listener. In particular, the spatial expression is rich, and the tension around the stage and the audience's reaction are realistically approached.
Listen to "Resimental Brothers" from Hans Zimmer's film "Dunkirk" OST on ATC SCM20 bookshelf speakers. Play only with AMP-5570. The very fine high notes of the violin that bloom near the center right show off their presence. In the center of the stage, the slightly sharp texture of the violin doubles the tension of the song, and the loud sound of the thick wind instruments is "scrambled". The drum beats that sound like heartbeats are also sufficient and firmly tight. The whole stage is wide and deep. No matter how tall the AMP-5570 is, it's really wonderful to depict a vast and deep stage with a small bookshelf that is neither 60 cm high nor deep.
100W per channel. This number might be meaningless to those who don't know it, but the 21W 7511A BTL mono amplifier played on large speakers and made the output of third-party amplifiers look trivial. Bakoon's 100W is equivalent to other companies' 600–700W amplifiers. By simply adding one AMP-5570, plugging in an XLR cable, and switching the selector to BTL mono mode, it becomes a monster-class simple amplifier delivering 300W per channel. You can feel a gentle warmth through the body of the amp… a warmth that seems to be calling out as if something alive is in action, and this warmth seems to enhance the sound quality, which is very delightful. What about the texture? Recent Bakoon models feature precision, speed, and drive, but with a thin "cool and clear" feel. However, the new AMP-5570 eliminates that tendency. The basic feel of the sound is similar to that of a tube amp, and its ability to draw sound from the speakers quickly without slow corners is outstanding. The strong driving force positions the speaker units accurately, so the balance of the frequency range remains intact. Micro-dynamics adjustments are also excellent, allowing the nuances of performers to come through superbly. Additionally, the quiet background is unmatched. The background is pitch black, like a black hole. The way the instruments begin just before bursting into the music, starting from the black silence, is like a line of light emerging from darkness.
*Monthly Audio (http://www.audioht.co.kr)