Amp for Revel Ultima Salon 2
 

Hi, im searching amp for Ultima Salon 2.
They love high watts

Im considering
MC601
FPB450MCX
Mark Levinson 532

I have read a "new sound" MC in their last models (452,601)
Any comparison with this brands ? :scratch2:

Hi, I am still debating what amps to get for my Revel Ultima Salon 2's. If I had the cash right now I would be looking at Ayre MX-R's or Classe CT-M600's.

Am interested in hearing more about your 'choices'.

I have the revel Salon 2 and have used Krell 350 MCX, 450mcx and Ayre M-XR.

The MXR has very smooth mid and highs but does not have good on control of low end like the 450MCX. Between these two amps, I preferred the 450.

I am currently using a Krell Evolution 403E for music and HT along with a couple of S275 amps for surround speakers. The Evolution E series still has the Krell sound - deep bass and dynamic but it's more refined with smoother mids and highs.

I also use Audio Research REF 250 monoblocks for 2 channel music. It does not have the low end of a Krell but the imaging and vocals are beautiful.

I don't have any experience with Classe or McIntosh.

Rich

before i bought my sophias i was considering revels. was told by revel tech on the phone that revels like to have 400w into 4 ohms. he also made clear that revels like more distance to side walls than most other speakers. between a room 13 feet wide and my desire to stick with cj amps i chose the sophia

thank you !!

Matti,

I also have a pair of Revel Salon 2. I have been driving mine with ARC's DS450. This amp does an adequate job in driving the Salons to quite loud levels without any strain and it is very musical.

Now, I spoke with Kevin Voecks (Salon designer) several years ago at RMAF about power and amplification do drive the Salons. His response was - "high power and good quality amplification". A high quality amp with over 300 watts should be able to drive them.

They should sound very nice with Levinson (532 and 532H) McIntosh (452 and 601s) BAT (solid state), Moon, Classe (600 watt monos), Bryston (28 SST2), Pass (600.5) to name a few. I'm very pleased with my amp but would consider the mono version - ARC DS450M, or Ref 250s but not for rock or extremely loud and demanding music.

Bottom line, high power and good quality. Also, look for synergy with the rest of your equipment. Lastly, trust your ears.

Hope that helps!

i see from manual mc601, "90 Amper Peak".
This is a real monster.
In a mid vol with Salon 2 (little hard with 86db)
a 601 could be better choice ?

452 should drive the Salons. The 601 would have a similar sound signature but have more reserves.

Matias.......The Revel Ultima Salon 2 speakers are well liked for their sound but require plenty of power to deliver the goods. Not only would I be looking at nothing less than 600 watts per channel, but may even consider a pair of MC1.2kw amps. This seems to be the amplifier that takes full control of the Ultima Salon 2's.
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/Assets/I..._MC1.2KW_D.jpg

Hi Dan,
what do you think about a new sound MC (601 and 452)
in compares with Krell FPB or Pass ?

I've always read that old models MC is more slow and musical
than Krell for example. but in respect to new 452 or 601 ? :scratch2:

Matias.......I owned four MC601's all at the same time, then replaced two with MC2301's. I have two MC601's in my living room system and love them. They are powerful, fast paced dynamics, solid bass, and musical. The same is true for the MC452 I have in my home theater system. I had used the MC452 in my two channel studio system for a period of time driving SF Amati Anniversario speakers. That is also one power two channel amp, but knowing what I do about the Revel's I would recommend the MC601's for the reserve power on tap.

I have auditioned Krell in the past, but not for several years. I never found them to be musical to my ears. Pass Labs is another story, since they sound very good. I have never owned Pass amps, but have been tempted a few times. It would be difficult to leave McIntosh. I love the sound.

I drove Salon2 very well with Moon W7M.
Pass XA160.5 also very good driving them.
Much much better than Mc MC402 that I also tried.
Toga

Thank you.
Yes Toga, but 402 is very different in compares with 452 and 601

Dan - I do align with your recommendation. If I were to choose between the 452 and 601, I would definitely go 601s.

I'd recommend a pair of Modwright KWA-150SE amps run in bridged mono operation which delivers 650 watts @ 8 ohms. The KWA-150SE has a warm, tube-like sound and wonderful inner detail, and in bridged mono configuration, should have awesome power :yes: Alternatively you could try bi-amping a pair of KWA's. I think this would be a great match - ModWright Instruments | KWA 150 'Signature Edition'

I have the 452 driving my Salon2's and love the sound. Do not feel underpowered in any way. However, you need to take into account the size of your room, the type of music you listen to, and the volume level you prefer. Perhaps a large room and a large scale classical piece at concert level volume might make the 452 cry uncle, but I've never tried it :)

I'll expand on what I said on your thread over on Audiogon: watts are one consideration, but it is more important to look for high peak output current in a very fast amp to get these big inefficient speakers to accurately portray dynamic peaks. As in 100 amperes or more of peak current and a rise time of 1/1,000,000th of a second or less.

Especially for classical and well-recorded (i.e. uncompressed) rock music. If your tastes run to small-combo jazz and acoustic music, you can probably get away with less current and speed.

I have not heard the Salon2s but I did have the Studio2s for a home audition. They seemed to like current and control. Such great amps already discussed. My top choices would be Bryston 28Bsst2 monos, Classe' CA-M600 monos, and the Krell 402e, MacIntosh MC452, and Parasound JC1s. I am new to this forum so I have to get in 10 posts to get going. For my Kef 205/2s I would most like the Krell and the Mac.

Revel would probably tell you to stick with Mark Levinson. Not necessarily my opinion, just a supposition.

I would go with Mc601s, Mc1.2kw for me.

I've heard the Salon2 on the mc1.2kw, and it does very well. Good control, and sounds like there's a lot of reserve, and sounds relaxed by nature.

Good speaker choice! Which finish are you inclined to, and what speaker cables? Transparent?

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

I'm planning on this combination and glad to see you are satisfied with it. A move to monoblocks be they MLs, Brystons, Mcs or the like is outside my comfort zone and I've been hoping the 452/Salon pairing will do the job.

My room is 23 by 16 with 10 foot ceilings. I play every kind of music there is except for hip hop and rap.

Oh! I think I made ten posts with this one! Yeah!

I have been running an MC252 for the Ultima Salon 2's. I do plan on moving that MC252 out and run it as a 500w mono for the Voice 2. MC601's will power the towers. That MC252 powers the towers just fine though. I am looking forward to hearing the Salons with more power from the 601's...

Doug

Has anyone used ML No 585 Integrated with the Salon2 or Studio2?
Does this Integrated have enough power for the Revel's?

I acquired a set of Salon2's this past year. Initially I was running them with a single Mc275 but recently installed my Mc1.2kw. The difference is impressive, even at moderate volumes. I think I now have a better understanding of "dynamic headroom". You can not go wrong with more power in this instance. I have been very satisfied with the amp upgrade.
Good luck.

The Revel Ultima line does like amplification with 'Balls' ..........

Mark Levinson 532H
Pass Labs X-250.8, X-260.8 & X-350.8

Ken

There were plenty of 585s at Axpona including a room driving f208s with it but I didn't hear it with Salon 2s. I had the same question you did so I was very interested in hearing them together but I wasn't able to manage that at the show. Based on what I heard, I think the 585 has the ability to do the job but in the end I came to the conclusion that I would be better off with as much clean power as I was comfortable buying and ended up with a 452.

However, everyone connected with Revel and Levinson felt that the 585 would be a fine match. But I guess they would say that. :)I have to admit the idea appealed to me.

My local dealer has both a 585 and the Salon 2 on display in their store, but I am not sure I have heard the combination. They think the 585 would be a great match for my Studio 2's but that is as far as my curiosity has gone so far....

I am running my salon 2's with Jeff Rowland 525s in monoblock configuration. The 525s have the ability to bridge to 950w or run in bi-amp mode for about 250w per channel. I prefered bi-amping the highs and lows on salon 2s which is about 500w per speaker vs running in the bridged mode. Didnt seem to be any loss of control or need for more power. Comparing to MC452 which I also have ran to the salon2s, the Rowland 525 is what I preferred. But the MC452 did sound very good. On B&W 802D2 I preferred the Mc452 over the Rowland 525s. I think it comes down to matching and personal preference.

I run my Revel Salon 2s with an Ayre V-5xe at 300W/Ch into 4 Ohms. clearly, I'm in the little leagues as compared to those of you running these speakers with huge beasts of amps. Here the thing, I can't get my volume over the half-way mark without causing ear damage and the Ayre has remained in total control of the Revels - no matter the volume. The downside, depending on the recording, the Ayre can be a tad bass shy. On the other hand, the Ayre more than makes up for its deficits by being super resolving in the highs and mids. My room is 15 x 32 x 9.5.

I'm about to order a pair of Salon 2's and currently have a Bryston 14bsst2 in my rack. You mentioned 28sst2 above, but with the 14b doing 900W into 4 ohms do you think I will be ok? I'd love to upgrade, but not until after the sting of the Salon 2's wears off!

You will be fine. There are more than enough horses with the 14b till you decide to upgrade. You may also decide that the 14b is totally fine and decide to stay as is.

Congrats , I've got the 'little brother' (Studio 2's) and love 'em, you'll love the Salon's

LOL.......you got plenty of 'horsepower' !

My Salons arrive tomorrow. I plan to drive them with my MC452, and I've no doubt that it will get the job done. Your Bryston will run them with no issues other than your exhaustion the following morning from listening to them into the wee hours. Congratulations to us.

Congrats! You will love them. I can't believe how great my Salon2s sound in my room.

Thanks, Pete!

Tim: You've got me thinking. Very similar 2 channel rig here!

Indeed

:laughin: :thumbsup:

I haven't gotten enough sleep since they got here!

Loving mine too. Looking forward to comparing the MC452 to my Bryston. Will probably get to do that within the next 2 weeks.