SCL AMP-5522 Power Amplifier by Bakoon Products

AMP-5522 Full digital control amplifier
The achievement of a full digital control amplifier created after years of innovation. That's the model. It combines comfortable operation with remote control, wide bandwidth frequency characteristics, low noise design, it is one of the ideal for audio files.

Model Variations

AMP-5522M: Equipped with multiple voltage inputs and current inputs with various connectivity options, connecting with various sources.
AMP-5522P: Design combined with preamplifier, with voltage input, current input and balance input to achieve optimal acoustic performance.

Innovative operability and sophisticated design

All operations are performed with a rotary encoder for accurate and intuitive control. In addition, visual feedback with graphic and color LCD displays shows the adjustment status at a glance. The remote control function has an easy-to-use specification that allows easy operation of power supply ON/OFF, input selection, gain control, and muting.

Latest Proprietary Circuits
Equipped with an HBK (I) circuit that supports both voltage and current signals. Eliminate conventional buffer circuits for simple, high-speed signal transmission. This provides a more dynamic and transparent sound. In AMP-5522, the SATRI circuit has evolved and been improved over a long period of time. Detailed nuances and spatial expressions of music are reproduced more realistically, realizing a sense of realism as if the performer is playing in front of them.

Overwhelming drive performance and low distortion

• High output with maximum output 70W (10% distortion) and maximum 58W (1% distortion) without distortion.
• 85dB low-efficiency speakers are also powered by margins, providing powerful and transparent sound.
• Overwhelming performance combined with a wide range of speakers

High precision sound in wide band

• Frequency BandWide range from :20Hz to 100kHz, achieving flat characteristics.
• Input conversion noiseOverwhelming silence with :-105dB and ultra-low noise design.
• The expression of instruments and vocals is extremely natural, realizing analog smoothness.

High precision digital attenuator

• A high-precision 10-bit relay digital attenuator is built in for fine volume adjustment.
• Reduce step-by-step errors to 0.2dB below for accurate volume control.
• The balance error of left and right channels is surprisingly small, maintaining the perfect stereo image.

A new world with music

AMP-5522 is not just an amplifier. It conveys the breathing of the performer and the texture of the instrument as it is and draws the listener into the world of music. A sound that coexists with analog-like warmth and overwhelming digital resolution. The more you listen to the masterpiece, the more vivid you feel.

For example,

• Spectacular classical piecesThen, the sound field and the elaborate sound of the instrument are clearly reproduced.
• Jazz trio performanceThen, the performer's nuance and rhythm dynamism are richly expressed.
• Acoustic Sound SourceThen, realize the real music experience with a strong and smooth sound.

AMP-5522 is an amplifier that brings your music experience to a higher level.

The sound was so intense that it did not have to be heard. In Japanese, "Sonoki" is written in kanji (Chinese characters). This means "spread of sound" or "resonance," and the acoustic "acoustic" also uses this character. It also contains the meaning of "fame," and Suntory's masterpiece whisky "Hibiki" uses the same kanji. Since I like the sweetness with the rich aroma of Suntory, I was taken first by the logo "Hibiki" engraved on the top right of the machine.

In fact, AMP-5522 differs in dimensions from conventional Bakoon products. In the Bakoon lineup, not only small power amplifiers, but also large power models have been introduced, mainly small power models. However, as the layers of audio enthusiasts gradually became thicker and the interest of high-end users was attracted, the large output model was also attracting attention. It can be said that this machine appeared in the flow is a timely deployment. Personally, I think the combination of Bakoon and Wilson Audio is great, and the matching with The WATT/Puppy that actually appeared recently was phenomenal. Considering that there are many fans of Wilson Audio in Japan, it is good to take this opportunity to focus on this machine.

Here I would like to talk about the meaning of the word "sound." This is an extension of the SATRI (Satri) circuit, which can be regarded as the latest amplification technology. The "reverberation" circuit is based on the conventional SATRI amplification stage, which removes the buffer circuit installed in it and pursues a simpler and higher speed design. This technology had already reached the second generation, and four years were spent developing it. In the meantime, several smaller models have been continuously released, all of which were created in the development process of the "sound" circuit. Finally, the "resonance" technique was fully blossomed in this machine. In addition, one IC is inserted into the "sounding" circuit per channel.

Additionally, the input stage is equipped with a buffer circuit called "HBFBC." This stands for "HyBrid FET input Buffer Circuit" and is designed as if a large circuit board has been implemented within a small chip. It is also noteworthy that two units are used for each channel. Furthermore, the power supply of this unit does not follow the conventional linear method, but employs a switching power supply (SMPS). In a linear method, a power transformer is inevitably required, leading to unavoidable issues such as heat generation and noise. However, the SMPS does not have these disadvantages, and by incorporating a newly designed module, it achieves exceptionally superior sound quality.

This unit is the successor to the AMP-5521, which was released in 2015. The AMP-5521 had an output of 35W at 8Ω, but the 5522, developed as a high-end model, was considered to need at least 50W. However, thanks to the generous application of the latest technology, it has remarkably achieved an output of 70W. During the listening session, I connected the Wilson Audio Alexia V, and witnessing how it boldly filled the vast space made me appreciate how meticulously this unit was designed. For the source equipment, I used dCS's Elgar Plus and Verdi, auditioning a wide range of CDs and SACDs.

The first track was the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 by Martha Argerich. First of all, a vast soundstage intricately weaves various instruments together. The piano, framed brilliantly in the foreground, rises before me. The beautiful figure of a young Argerich naturally comes to mind, vividly recalling her fierce performance with her long hair flowing like a storm. The lower range responds swiftly, and while it possesses punchiness, the moderately warm tonal quality creates a natural resonance reminiscent of analog sound.

Next, I played "Misty" by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto. With a piano trio formation, the skilled Yamamoto's improvisational performance sparkles like jewels. The overall sound is transparent, with emphasized details and an exceptional sense of rhythm. The double bass line emerges clearly, and the touch of the cymbals spreads gracefully. The piano is vibrant while imbuing each note with soul. It was a rich musical experience that evoked even the expressions of the performers.

Finally, I heard Eric Clapton's Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out. This is a recently released work, a session full of room between him and the skilled musicians who lived together. It's like a vintage wine. In particular, the sound of Clapton's vocals and clear acoustic guitars, which still do not lose their strength, is unexpectedly exciting. It can be said that it is a natural environment, driving the speaker effortless and producing the best results. Bakoon's magic is finally entering a new phase. Monthly Audio (http://www.audioht.co.kr)