SCL AMP-5522 Power Amplifier by Bakoon Products

AMP-5522 Full Digital Control Amplifier
The result of years of technological innovation, the achievement of a full digital control amplifier. That's what this model is. With its remote control comfort, wide-bandwidth frequency response, and low-noise design, it's the ideal choice for audio files.

Model Variations

AMP-5522M: Versatile connectivity options, equipped with multiple voltage and current inputs, allowing for connection with various sources.

AMP-5522P: Designed to be combined with a preamplifier, it is equipped with voltage, current, and balanced inputs for optimal acoustic performance.

Innovative operation and sleek design

All operations are performed by a rotary encoder for precise and intuitive control. In addition, visual feedback via graphic color LCD display provides at-a-glance indication of adjustment status. The remote control function adopts an easy-to-use specification, allowing you to easily operate power on/off, input selection, gain control, and muting at your fingertips.

The latest proprietary circuit
It is equipped with an HBK(I) circuit that can handle both voltage and current signals. Eliminates traditional buffer circuits for simple, high-speed signal transmission. This will provide a more dynamic and transparent sound. In the AMP-5522, the SATRI circuit has evolved and has been improved over a long period of development. The detailed nuances and spatial expressions of the music are reproduced more realistically, creating a sense of realism as if the performers are playing in front of them.

Unmatched drive performance and low distortion

• It achieves a maximum output of 70W (10% distortion) and a high output of up to 58W (1% distortion) without distortion.
• The 85dB low-efficiency speaker is also driven with plenty of room to provide powerful and transparent sound.
• Combined with a wide range of speakers, it delivers overwhelming performance.

High-bandwidth, high-precision sound

• Frequency bands: Wide range from 20Hz to 100kHz for flat characteristics.
• Input Conversion Noise: -105dB ultra-low noise design for overwhelming quietness.
• The expression of instruments and vocals is extremely natural, and analog smoothness is achieved.

High-precision digital attenuators

• Built-in high-precision 10-bit relay type digital attenuator allows for fine volume adjustment.
• The error per step is reduced to less than 0.2 dB for precise volume control.
• The balance error between the left and right channels is surprisingly low, maintaining a perfect stereo image.

A new world that expands with music

The AMP-5522 is more than just an amplifier; It conveys the breath of the performer and the texture of the instrument as it is, drawing the listener into the world of music. The sound coexists with the warmth of analog and the overwhelming resolution unique to digital. The more you listen to the masterpiece, the more vividly you will feel it.

For example,

• Magnificent classical worksIn this article, the wide sound field and the sound of exquisite instruments are clearly reproduced.
• Jazz Trio PerformanceIn this book, the nuances of the performers and the dynamism of the rhythm are richly expressed.
• Acoustic sound sourceThen, you can achieve a realistic music experience with powerful yet smooth sound.

The AMP-5522 is an amplifier that will take your musical experience to the next level.

The sound had such an intense aura that I didn't have to bother to listen to it. In Japanese, "Hibiki" is written as "Hibiki" in kanji. This means "spread of sound" or "resonance", and the word "echo" in sound also uses this character. It also contains the meaning of "fame", and Suntory's masterpiece whiskey "Hibiki" also uses the same kanji. I like the sweetness with Suntory's unique rich aroma, so I was first captivated by the logo "Hibiki" engraved on the upper right corner of this unit.

In fact, the AMP-5522 is on a different level from previous Bakoon products. Bakoon's lineup included not only low-output amplifiers but also large-output models, but until now, mainly low-output models have been introduced. However, as the base of audio enthusiasts gradually grew and attracted the interest of high-end users, high-output models began to attract attention. The appearance of this machine in that flow can be said to be a timely development. Personally, I think the combination of Bakoon and Wilson Audio is great, and in fact, the match with The WATT/Puppy, which came out recently, was phenomenal. Considering that there are many Wilson Audio fans in Korea, it would be a good idea to take this opportunity to pay attention to this machine.

I would like to mention the meaning of the word "echo" here. This concept is an extension of the SATRI circuit and can be regarded as the latest amplification technology. While based on the conventional SATRI amplification stage, the buffer circuit installed in it was removed to pursue a simpler and higher-speed design. The technology has already reached its second generation, and it took as many as four years to develop. In the meantime, several small models have been continuously released, all of which are products born from the development process of the "sound" circuit. Finally, the "sound" technology blossomed in its full form in this machine. In addition, one IC is inserted into the "sound" 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 it is designed to look like a large board mounted in a small chip. It is also worth mentioning that two are used for each channel. In addition, the power supply of this unit adopts a switching power supply (SMPS) instead of the traditional linear system. The linear system inevitably requires a power transformer, and heat generation and noise problems are inevitable. However, SMPS does not have these disadvantages, and the newly designed module also delivers extremely good results in terms of sound quality.

This machine is the successor to the AMP-5521 released in 2015. The AMP-5521 had an output of 35W at 8Ω, but the 5522, which was developed as a high-end model, was thought to require at least 50W. However, as a result of generously introducing the latest technology, it has achieved an output of a whopping 70W. For this preview, I connected Wilson Audio's Alexia V, and I realized how carefully the unit was designed when it sounded proudly in a vast space. In addition, we used dCS's Elgar Plus and Verdi as source equipment, 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 variety of instruments are carefully woven into the vast soundstage. In front of it, a gorgeously phrased piano appears in front of you. The beautiful appearance of Argerich in his youth is naturally recalled. The image of him playing violently like a storm with his long hair fluttering is vividly revived. The low-frequency response is agile, and the punchy yet moderately warm tone exudes a natural sound like analog.

Next, he played Tsuyoshi Yamamoto's "Misty". The piano trio is formed, and the improvisation by the skilled Yamamoto shines like a jewel. Overall, it is transparent, with outstanding details and an exceptional sense of rhythm. The lines of the double bass emerge clearly, and the touch of cymbals spreads gracefully. The piano is gorgeous, but every note is filled with soul. I was able to enjoy an emotional musical experience that even reminded me of the expressions of the performers.

Finally, I listened to Eric Clapton's 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.' This is a recently released work, featuring relaxed sessions with seasoned musicians who have shared a lifetime with him. The sound spreads like finely aged vintage wine. In particular, Clapton's vocals, which have not lost their power, and the clear tone of the acoustic guitar elicit spontaneous admiration. It drives the speakers effortlessly, producing the best results, to the point of being called a state of natural ease. Bakoon's magic is entering a new phase. Monthly Audio