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Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$0.00 Summary:
It should be noted that the MSRP on this site is incorrect, the MSRP is $2,999.00 US. When I first learned about this 11lb amp claiming to do 100 wpc and a price tag of nearly $3k, I had my doubts. Howeve, I soon became a believer and fell in love with this amp. It's very small compared to other power amps, it virtually no heat output, and has auto turn on. When the input senses a signal the amp automatically turns on. I hooked this amp up on it's shelf and forgot about it, very convenient.
I will limit my comments on music since the only music this amp is used for is an occasional listen to the music channels on cable or if I don't feel like switching my system, I might drop a CD in my DVD player. Both are running into my processor via Toslink digital, so no real stereo listening via the analog inputs of my processor. I do have a couple concert DVD's I checked out.
My system is a Primare P31.7 preamp/processor, the LINN 5125 and Dynaudio Contour t2.5/t2.1 front and center and A52's for rear. Prior to dropping the 5125 in my system I used an Arcam 3 channel in front and and Adcom stereo in the rear. I've also used Krell on the front L/R with the Arcam doing the center and rear.
This amp has an incredible midrange. Dialogue is very audible, clear and the entire soundstage is very airy. The 5125 delivers more micro and macro dynamics than I usually hear from solid state amps. The highs are extended and more forward compared to the Krell. The amp some how generates enough power to drive my Dyn's loud as I care to listen. The bass response sounds different to me than a high current amp like Krell or Arcam. The 5125 in the upper bass had detail, like a bass line or tom toms but the lower bass seemed to lack detail and thick. This was a weakness I was willing to live with since the amp was for HT anyway and the midrange was so seductive. I did eventually upgrade the stock power cord to a MIT Z-cord II which helped the bass response detail and the overall presentation become more sweet.
I don't know if it was an advantage of having all amplification in one box or the LINN's ability but with the 5125 in my system I gained noticeably more detail from the rear channels and the movement of the effects around the room was better.
At first I thought this amp was on the expensive side but after hearing it in my system and adding in the convenience factor, I now find the AV-5125 a good value and have no problems giving it a high recommendation. It also made me a believer in digital switching power supplies. It may not slam like Krell, few amps do, but the AV-5125 gets the job done and the adjective I attached to this amps sound is "seductive". It really draws you in and the soundstage makes your speakers disappear. The AV-5125 offers most everything anyone would want out of a high quality home theater amp. Strengths:
beautiful midrange. Effortless and airy soundstage. Very convenient for placement and regular use. Weaknesses:
Only accepts BNC speaker plugs. Similar Products Used:
Krell, Arcam, Adcom, Conrad-Johnson
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