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Review 1 of 1
, from Gaithersburg, Md
Price Paid:
$500.00
from Private Sale Summary:
Wonderful amp...has a very neutral, revealing quality. I was previously using a Parasound 855A with an H/K 510 as a pre/pro...using 4 of the channels to bi-amp the mains and the fifth for the center. The rears were powered by the 510.
Both pieces in that combo were warm sounding and with the rolled off top end of the H/K, the presentation was a little too laid back. I switched out the 5 channel 855A for the 3 channel Chiro C-300 and found a very nice sound indeed. My tower speakers are 6 Ohm and while the 855A was good for 105Wx5 at that impedance, the Chiro is rated at almost twice that x3. There is simply no substitute for ample power when driving quality towers (Wharfedale Emerald 97's). While I can no longer bi-amp as before, the current simple bi-wire connection serves even more ably and delivers enhanced levels of detail, imaging and bass control. 2 Channel enjoyment is now more satisfying than ever and beginning to approach the quality of 'separates'. A new preamp addition along the lines of the Outlaw 950 will likely be in order and will make for a very nice entry level separates combo with the Chiro.
HT is both clear and powerful and the clarity of dialogue is noticeably enhanced though somewhat 'brighter' than before and with a more audible sibilance. Much of this I can attribute to my Yamaha center which, while possessing a tweeter attenuator for matching tonal character, still leaves a good deal to be desired in overall quality.
While now only available on the used market, I consider the 2, 3 and 5 channel Chiros to be great finds. If you value excellent build quality, great sound and decent headroom for loud listening, seek out Chiro. Strengths:
Clean design, ample power reserves, neutral sounding in my system, runs very cool Weaknesses:
Proprietary 12V trigger design and implementation. Similar Products Used:
Parasound, H/K, Adcom
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