SCL AMP-5522 Power Amplifier by Bakoon Products

AMP-5522 Full Digital Control Amplifier
The goal of fully digital control amplifiers was created after years of technological innovation. That's this model. Combining comfortable operation with a remote control, wide-band frequency characteristics, and low-noise design, this is the ideal device that audio files are looking for.

Model variations

AMP-5522M: Equipped with a variety of connection options, multiple voltage and current inputs, allowing connections to a variety of sources.
AMP-5522P: Designed to be combined with a preamp, it is equipped with voltage input, current input, and balanced input, achieving optimal acoustic performance.

Innovative operability and sophisticated design

All operations are performed using a rotary encoder for accurate and intuitive control. In addition, visual feedback via graphic and color LCD displays allows you to see the adjustment status at a glance. The remote control function is easy to use, allowing you to easily operate power on/off, input selection, gain control, and muting at your own pace.

Latest original circuits
Equipped with an HBK(I) circuit that can handle both voltage and current signals. Eliminating conventional buffer circuits, achieving simple, high-speed signal transmission. This provides a more dynamic and transparent sound. The AMP-5522 has evolved the SATRI circuit and has been improved over a long period of time. The detailed nuances and spatial expressions of the music are reproduced more realistically, creating a sense of realism as if the performer was playing in front of his eyes.

Overwhelming drive performance and low distortion

• Achieves a maximum output of 70W (10% distortion) and a maximum output of 58W (1% distortion) without distortion.
• It also drives low-efficiency 85dB speakers with ease, providing powerful and transparent sound.
• Combined with a wide range of speakers, it delivers overwhelming performance.

Highly accurate sound with wide band

• Frequency band: Flat characteristics are achieved over a wide range from 20Hz to 100kHz.
• Input-converted noise: Ultra-low noise design at -105dB, with overwhelming quietness.
• The instruments and vocals are expressed extremely naturally, achieving analog smoothness.

Highly accurate digital attenuator

• It has a built-in high-precision 10-bit relay digital attenuator, allowing for detailed volume adjustment.
• The errors for each step are reduced to 0.2dB or less, achieving accurate volume control.
• The balance error between the left and right channels is surprisingly small, maintaining a perfect stereo image.

A new world expands with music

The AMP-5522 is more than just an amplifier. It conveys the performer's breathing and the texture of the instrument as it is, drawing listeners into the world of music. A sound that combines the warmth of analogue and the overwhelming resolution unique to digital. The more you listen to the masterpieces, the more you will be able to see their abilities clearly.

for example,

• Magnificent classic workThe wide sound field and the sound of the fine instruments are clearly reproduced.
• Jazz trio performanceThe nuances of the performers and the dynamic rhythm are expressed in a rich way.
• Acoustic sound sourceNow, we have a realistic music experience with powerful yet smooth sound.

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

The sound had such a strong aura that it didn't have to go out of your way to listen to it. In Japanese, "Hibiki" is written as "Hibiki" in kanji. This means "spreading of sound" or "resonance," and this character is used for the acoustic "hibiki". It also includes the meaning of "fame," and Suntory's masterpiece whiskey "Hibiki" uses the same kanji. I like the sweetness with the rich aroma unique to Suntory, so I was first captivated by the logo "Hibiki" engraved in the top right corner of this machine.

In fact, the AMP-5522 is on a different level than traditional Bakoon products. Bakoon's lineup included not only small output amplifiers but also high output models, but up until now, small output models have been mainly introduced. However, as the audience gradually grew in audio enthusiasts and attracted the attention of high-end users, the high-powered models were also gaining attention. The fact that this machine appeared amidst this trend is truly a timely development. Personally, I think the combination of Bakoon and Wilson Audio is great, and the match with the recent release of The WATT/Puppy was incredible. Considering that there are many fans of Wilson Audio in Japan, it would be a good idea to take this opportunity to take a look at this machine.

Here I would like to touch on the meaning of the word "resonating." This is a concept that is an extension of the SATRI circuit and can be seen as the latest amplification technology. The "Resonator" circuit is based on the conventional SATRI amplification stage, and removes the buffer circuit installed there, pursuing a simpler and higher speed design. The technology has already reached its second generation, and four years have been spent developing it. During this time, several smaller models have been released continuously, all of which were produced during the development process of "spewing" circuits. Finally, the "resonance" technology has blossomed in perfect form on this machine. In addition, one IC is inserted into the "Resonator" circuit for each channel.

In addition, the input stage is equipped with a buffer circuit called "HBFBC". This is an abbreviation for "HyBrid FET input buffer Circuit" and is designed to be mounted on a small chip with a large board. It is also worth noting that two channels are used. Furthermore, the power supply unit of this unit uses a switching power supply (SMPS) rather than the conventional linear system. The linear system inevitably requires a power transformer, causing problems with heat generation and noise. However, SMPS does not have these disadvantages, and by installing a newly designed module, it achieves extremely excellent sound quality.

This is the successor to the AMP-5521 released in 2015. The AMP-5521 had a 35W output at 8Ω, but the 5522, which was developed as a high-end model, was thought to require a minimum of 50W. However, as a result of generous introduction of the latest technology, we have achieved an output of as much as 70W. During this preview, I connected a Wilson Audio Alexia V, and the way it played the vast space with confidence gave me an insight into how carefully designed this unit was. The source device was dCS Elgar Plus and Verdi, and listened to a wide range of CDs and SACDs.

The first track is the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 by Marta Argerich. First, a wide variety of musical instruments are carefully woven into the vast soundstage. The gorgeously phrased piano appears in front of it. The beautiful appearance of Argerich when he was young is naturally reminiscent of. His long hair blew through, he played violently like a storm, vividly revived. The low-frequency response is agile and punchy, but the tone with moderate warmth gives off a natural analog sound.

Next, we played Yamamoto Tsuyoshi's "Misty." The piano trio is composed of improvisation by skilled Yamamoto, sparkling like a jewel. The overall transparency is clear, the details stand out, and you can feel an outstanding sense of rhythm. The double bass lines clearly emerge, and the touch of the cymbals spreads elegantly. The piano is gorgeous, but each note has its soul. It was an emotional musical experience that even the performances' expressions come to mind.

Finally, I listened to Eric Clapton's 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out'. This is a recently released work, featuring a relaxed session with seasoned musicians who have shared their lives with him. The sound unfolds like a vintage wine that has matured beautifully. In particular, Clapton's vocals, which still retain their power, and the clear tones of the acoustic guitar draw gasps of admiration. It's as if the speakers are driven with effortless ease, producing the best results, reaching a state that can truly be described as effortless naturalness. Bakoon's magic is finally entering a new phase. Monthly Audio (http://www.audioht.co.kr)