SCL AMP-5522 Power Amplifier by Bakoon Products

AMP-5522 Full Digital Control Amplifier
This model represents the pinnacle of full digital control amplifiers, born from years of technological innovation. It features comfortable operation via remote control, wide frequency characteristics, and low-noise design, making it the ideal choice for audiophiles.

Model Variations

AMP-5522M: Equipped with various connection options, multiple voltage inputs, and current inputs, allowing connection with various sources.
AMP-5522P: Designed to be combined with a preamplifier, featuring voltage input, current input, and balanced input for optimal acoustic performance.

Innovative Operability and Sophisticated Design

All operations are performed using a rotary encoder, achieving precise and intuitive control. Additionally, visual feedback via a graphic color LCD display allows for easy monitoring of adjustments. The remote control function adopts a user-friendly design, enabling easy operation of power ON/OFF, input selection, gain control, and muting from your hand.

Latest Proprietary Circuit
Equipped with the HBK(I) circuit that can handle both voltage and current signals. By eliminating traditional buffer circuits, it achieves simple and high-speed signal transmission, providing a more dynamic and transparent sound. The SATRI circuit in the AMP-5522 has evolved, having undergone long-term improvements in development. The subtle nuances of music and spatial expressions are reproduced more realistically, creating a sense of presence as if the performers are playing right in front of you.

Overwhelming Drive Performance and Low Distortion

• Achieves a maximum output of 70W (10% distortion) and a high output of 58W (1% distortion) without distortion.
• Easily drives low-efficiency speakers at 85dB, delivering powerful and transparent sound.
• Demonstrates overwhelming performance when 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 radiated such an intense aura that it didn't need to be listened to deliberately. In Japanese, "響き" is written with the kanji "響". This carries the meaning of "sound spreading" or "resonance", and the acoustics term "響" also uses this character. Additionally, it includes the meaning of "fame", and the masterpiece whiskey "響" from Suntory also uses the same kanji. Personally, I love the sweetness accompanied by the unique rich aroma of Suntory, so I was first captivated by the logo "響" engraved on the upper right of this device.

In fact, the AMP-5522 is on a different level compared to conventional Bakoon products. While Bakoon's lineup includes not only low-power amplifiers but also high-power models, until now, the focus has mainly been on low-power models. However, as the audio enthusiast community has gradually thickened and high-end users have shown interest, high-power models have started to gain attention. The emergence of this device can be seen as a timely development in that context. Personally, I believe that the combination of Bakoon and Wilson Audio is fantastic, and the matching with the recently introduced The WATT/Puppy was astonishing. Considering that there are many fans of Wilson Audio in Japan, it might be a good opportunity to pay attention to this device.

Here, I would like to touch on the meaning of the word "響き". This is a concept that lies along the extension of the SATRI circuit and can be understood as the latest amplification technology. While based on the conventional SATRI amplification stage, the buffer circuit that was included has been removed, pursuing a simpler and high-speed design, which is the "響き" circuit. This technology has already reached its second generation, and the development took four years. During that time, several small models have been continuously released, all of which were products born from the development process of the "響き" circuit. And finally, in this device, the "響き" technology has fully blossomed. It should be noted that the "響き" circuit has one IC for each channel.

Additionally, the input stage is equipped with a buffer circuit called "HBFBC," which stands for "HyBrid FET input Buffer Circuit," designed as if a large circuit board were implemented within a small chip. It is noteworthy that two units are used for each channel. Furthermore, the power supply of this unit adopts a switching power supply (SMPS) instead of the conventional linear method. The linear method inevitably requires a power transformer, leading to issues of heat generation and noise. However, SMPS does not have these disadvantages, and by incorporating a newly designed module, it achieves exceptionally excellent results in 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 require at least 50W. However, thanks to the generous application of the latest technology, it has achieved an output of 70W. During this listening session, the Wilson Audio Alexia V was connected, and the way it boldly filled the vast space made it clear how meticulously this unit was designed. For the source equipment, dCS's Elgar Plus and Verdi were used, and a wide range of CDs and SACDs were auditioned.

The first track was the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 by Martha Argerich. First, a vast soundstage intricately weaves together a variety of instruments. The piano, elegantly phrased in the foreground, emerges right before me. The beautiful image of a young Argerich naturally comes to mind, vividly recalling her fierce performance with flowing long hair, like a storm. The low-end response is quick, punchy, yet the tone has a moderate warmth, creating a natural resonance reminiscent of analog sound.

Next, Yamamoto Go's "Misty" was played. In a piano trio arrangement, the seasoned Yamamoto's improvisation sparkles like jewels. Overall, there is a sense of transparency, with details standing out and an excellent sense of rhythm. The double bass line emerges clearly, and the touch of the cymbals spreads gracefully. The piano is vibrant, yet each note is infused with soul. It was a richly emotional musical experience that even evoked 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 skilled musicians who have shared his life. The sound unfolds like a vintage wine, matured over time. In particular, Clapton's vocals, which still retain their strength, and the clear tones of the acoustic guitar evoke admiration. It drives the speakers effortlessly, producing the best results, reaching a state of naturalness. Bakoon's magic is entering a new phase.