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REVIEW: Sunfire load invariant 300wpc stereo power amplifier Amplifier (SS)

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Model: load invariant 300wpc stereo power amplifier
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $2300
Description: 300wpc load invariant stereo power amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Sunfire
Manufacturer URL: Sunfire

Review by DaveinFremont on November 02, 2001 at 14:22:49
IP Address: 152.163.206.204
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for the load invariant 300wpc stereo power amplifier


in the vein of Mr. Carver's previous Carver power amp offerings, this Sunfire power amp is a very unusual power amp design.

First off: despite prodigious power ratings (300wpc@ 8ohms, 600@4, and for limited time, 1,200@2 and even 2,400wpc @1ohm!) often associated with Krell or other megabuck amps, this unit is only moderate in size and weighs only 43 lbs! Even more disconcerting, it doesn't even get warm, even when putting out room-shaking volumes through my power-hungry NHT 2.9s. In fact, it seems to run cooler than my Adcom GFP-750 preamp!

Connectivity options are much better than most, and reflect the unconventional design even further: two sets of unbalanced RCA inputs (lab direct or normal), and one set of balanced XLR inputs. Outputs are done with two sets of heavy duty five-way binding posts. One set are voltage outputs (recommended for bass section) and one set are current output (higher impedence, supposedly more 'tubelike' in sound). Recommended setup is to biwire with the voltage outputs going to the low freq section, current output going to the mid/tweeters.

This unit uses something called a 'tracking downconverter' that stores the energy demanded by the loudspeakers, and current is supplied in a fashion that supposedly tracks the musical signal. Thus, there is no need for large, heavy heatsinks, and the unit does not run hot all the time like class A designs do. I believe this one is considered a class A-B, and I did admit to having some skepticism about such a design.

And all in all, sometimes this amp can sound like it is not as powerful as rated. It just doesn't 'seem' like 300 honest-to-God 8ohm watts sometimes. But I think it does excell once the volume is turned up, and it conveys a convincing, lush, plump bass at volume levels that could only be achieved by a very powerful amplifier.

Some experimentation with the input/output options to achieve ideal spectral balance with your associated components is a must in my opinion. This unit can and does help tame the slightly edgy, tipped-up highs that can be conveyed by the NHTs. In fact, it can over-tame them, and I agree with other reviewers on the www.audioreview.com site that this amp can come across as quite mellow in overall presentation, especially if using the current outputs.

I am pleased with the sound of the Sunfire. I got mine used for around $1K on ebay, and at that price I think it is a very good value. But for the $2300 MSRP? Then you have to look hard at what the competition has to offer: Bryston 4B-STs, Parasound 2200s, big Rotels, and used Krells can all be had for prices in this general area, and the competition is fierce. For those of you who want stupendous bass performance, loads of current, don't mind a somewhat laid-back presentation, and like the idea of a power amp that doesn't heat up the whole house or break your back when you try to move it, the Sunfire is a great-looking, very good-performing unit.


Product Weakness: can a power amp run cool, be light, and really perform well sonically? Front 'joule' meter is largely cosmetic
Product Strengths: stupendous bass, loads of power on demand, can tame high frequency harshness depending on the output option, very attractive brushed black aluminum case, won't break the bank or your back when you try to move it, runs cool to the touch


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Sunfire
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Adcom GFP-750
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz CDR-500, Sony MDS-JB930 MD, Denon TU-RD1500 tuner
Speakers: NHT 2.9
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest F-14 speaker cables (biwired)
Music Used (Genre/Selections): rock, classical, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 17 x 18 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: none (hardwood floors w/oriental carpet)
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): SL Waber power conditioner/AC voltage regulator
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Adcom GFP-750, Sunfire power amp, Marantz PRO CDR-500, Onkyo TX-RD511 CDR, Sony MDS-JB930 MD, Denon TU-RD1500 tuner




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Topic - REVIEW: Sunfire load invariant 300wpc stereo power amplifier Amplifier (SS) - DaveinFremont 14:22:49 11/2/01 ( 0)