*** Special: Ascend + IcePower!

Ascend + IcePower = Sonic Bliss!

About 4 years ago, my brother mentioned that a good friend of his was planning on starting a new audio electronics company and asked if I had any advice to share with him. My comment at that time was to tell his friend that he was absolutely crazy.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of getting to know my brother’s old friend quite well through many phone calls and correspondences and I have come to the conclusion that my first instinct was right – this guy is indeed crazy!

Anyone willing to invest a ton of money to develop electronics designed to challenge the *Big Guys* must be nuts, right? ;)

Years later, I have been lucky enough to spend time with this new company’s products and let me just say they are the REAL DEAL in every possible aspect. From performance and great looks, to the build quality and honest pricing, I have been nothing but thoroughly impressed by what I have evaluated. And I don’t just mean basic listening; I have torn these products apart and have critically measured them.

I have been a vocal fan of B&O’s IcePower technology for a while now and the combination of IcePower and Sierra-1 is simply a match made in heaven. IcePower offers very high-power with incredible dynamics, clean and detailed highs and the amps are dead quiet. The only issue I have ever had with these amps is that they can sound a bit analytical at times when compared to a high-quality Class A amplifier.

Click here to read more about this technology: http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com...hnology/power/

Introducing the Virtue Audio, IceBlock amplifier!

http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/ima...01-PBF-1-2.jpg

This one-of-a-kind amplifier offers 500 watts of power into a 4 ohm load / 250 watts into 8 ohms and features a drop-dead gorgeous chassis with true audiophile components throughout.

What makes this IceAmp stand out from the crowd is the addition of a tube based input buffer which transforms IcePower from being slightly analytical at times to being magically musical. Imagine all of the power, dynamics and efficiency of Ice combined with the musicality of a tube based input stage...

http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/ima...1-PBF-1-4T.jpg

This tube buffer was designed by none other than the tube guru himself, Gary Dodd of Dodd Audio.

Plain and simple, this is one absolutely fantastic high-end power amp and will likely be the last amplifier you will ever purchase.

The Virtue Audio IceBlock Amp is the perfect match to our renowned Sierra-1 loudspeakers and Ascend Acoustics is very proud to announce a cooperative effort to get these new amplifiers into the hands of true music lovers.

These are monoblock amplifiers, meaning each amp drives only one channel which further maximizes sound quality by providing a power supply for each individual channel in addition to the best channel isolation and signal to noise ratio possible. A single monoblock amp will drive one loudspeaker.

These amplifiers originally sold for $2500/pair + shipping.

For a limited time, we are now offering some very special pricing.

Note: Other finishes and combinations now available. Please contact us for details


http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/ima...+Sierra-sm.jpg

Sierra-1 pair in the natural finish + 1 pair of IceBlock amps = $2700 with FREE domestic ground shipping.

Click here to add to your shopping cart: Sierra-1 Natural + Iceblock



http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/ima...presso)-sm.jpg

Sierra-1 pair in gloss espresso + 1 pair of IceBlock amps = $2800 with FREE domestic ground shipping.

Click here to add to your shopping cart: Sierra-1 Espresso + Iceblock


*Note: depending on which combo you order, the amp will include a maple top (which closely matches our natural finish) or a rosewood top which is a better match to our espresso finish.

And finally, a special for our mailing list and Facebook members if you don’t need the speakers and just want to purchase the amplifiers:

1 pair of IceBlock amps for $1999 + $50 flat rate domestic ground shipping.

Click here to add to your shopping cart: IceBlock Pair

This is the best price EVER offered for these amplifiers and an exclusive only for Ascend customers and fans.

For further details about these IceBlock amps, please click here: IceBlock

Please post any questions you have in this thread. Thank you!

Awesome addition Dave! They look very nice. I would love to audition these beasts with the Sierra's, but my budget won't allow it.:(

However, I'm really looking forward to anything relating to updates on the Sierra-1!:)

Oooh, wonderful temptation! :o

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mag_Neato

Awesome addition Dave! They look very nice. I would love to audition these beasts with the Sierra's, but my budget won't allow it.:(

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Yes, these are really nice amps! They are priced competitively with other popular IceAmp models and considering the addition of the Gary Dodd tube buffer, they are a very good deal. Granted, the market for this type of expense is limited (especially these days) -- but it is nice to offer such high-end gear. Fits right in with Sierra-1 and Rythmik subs :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mag_Neato

However, I'm really looking forward to anything relating to updates on the Sierra-1!:)

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Hey, that is for a different thread! :p

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the dollar keeps strengthening against the Euro... ;)

Congrats Dave on what looks like another great product offering through Ascend....I must say the last partnership with Rythmik was well worth it! It may be a while before I can try one of these ICE powered beauties though. I am saving for another upgrade;):D

Wow! Quite surprised, and honestly a little puzzled at this latest announcement... What makes each mono amp worth 1000$ as opposed to other amps? (Say 1 power amp, NAD, Rotel, etc. at 1000$?) Could you post some measurements?

I was about to say that 2000$ puts them close to Bryston and Krell, but a quick jump to stereophile revealed that the Bryston and Krell amps are almost 10,000$ or more lol

So yeah, I guess interesting product... How audible is the tube? Anyhow, quite puzzled actually... :eek:

Nice touch with the matching top plate it seems! Oh! And they seem to be quite small, I thought they were 'regular' size... hmmm... Are they to scale in the pics next to the Sierras?

Dimensions/unit: H 3.8" x W 10.6" (no columns)/11.2" (with columns) x D 9.2". Weight around 18 lbs each.
vs Sierra 14.25" x 7.5" x 10.5"

Bit hard to say, ah, definitely not... ~4'' high vs 14 high for Sierras, and in pic, sierra looks 2.5 times as high, when they should be > 3x so not at scale...

If you look at what Bel Canto charges for a similar amp (without the tube stage) you will see that these amps are a great deal.

D-Sonic offers a similar amp without the tube stage for about $1600/pr. They are the least expensive ICEpower based amplifier supplier. So these IceBlocks are an excellent deal.

I use an ICEpower based amp (no tube stage) for my L/R Sierras, and have been extremely happy with them for 4 years or so. Before the Sierras, I used them with 340SE's.

Google ICEpower and you will come up with a lot of info.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GirgleMirt

Wow! Quite surprised, and honestly a little puzzled at this latest announcement... What makes each mono amp worth 1000$ as opposed to other amps? (Say 1 power amp, NAD, Rotel, etc. at 1000$?) Could you post some measurements?

I was about to say that 2000$ puts them close to Bryston and Krell, but a quick jump to stereophile revealed that the Bryston and Krell amps are almost 10,000$ or more lol

So yeah, I guess interesting product... How audible is the tube? Anyhow, quite puzzled actually... :eek:

Nice touch with the matching top plate it seems! Oh! And they seem to be quite small, I thought they 'regular' size... hmmm...

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IcePower has become very popular and is being used in many higher-end receivers and amplifiers. It is an expensive technology offering Class D efficiency with true class A/B performance. It is also incredibly clean -- very high signal to noise ratio. You should read up on it -- you would find it quite interesting.

Many of our customers are using ICE powered amps from other manufacturers so by offering these, and by adding the tube buffer, we now have something we can offer at a very competitive price and with a more musical presentation.

Once of the very best combinations of equipment I have ever heard was a pair of TAD Reference 1's combined with a Bel Canto S500 amp. This amp retails for about $3000 (don't even ask about the price of the speakers -- but believe it or not, they are worth every penny) . This amp uses the same amplifier modules (ICE) as the Virtue Audio yet the Virtue model takes it a step further by adding the tube buffer stage. The Virtue Audio pair is $1000 less for a stereo setup.

Here is a review: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/power...amplifier.html

The list of manufacturers that are switching over to ICE power for their better performing amplifiers is very impressive. I would say for the price -- considering the addition of the tube buffer (which in itself is an expensive piece of gear), the Virtue IceBlock offers the most value for someone who wants ICE power :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by merrymaid520

Congrats Dave on what looks like another great product offering through Ascend....I must say the last partnership with Rythmik was well worth it! It may be a while before I can try one of these ICE powered beauties though. I am saving for another upgrade;):D

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Thanks.... Yes, the partnership with Rythmik has indeed worked out well so far. I think our companies complement each other nicely. I am hopeful the same will be said of Virtue Audio. I am truly impressed with their products.

I think I know what you are saving for, eh? :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davef

Yes, these are really nice amps! They are priced competitively with other popular IceAmp models and considering the addition of the Gary Dodd tube buffer, they are a very good deal. Granted, the market for this type of expense is limited (especially these days) -- but it is nice to offer such high-end gear. Fits right in with Sierra-1 and Rythmik subs :)

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After auditioning a Bryston Amp with some Usher towers a few evening ago, I agree that they seem like a very good value.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davef

Hey, that is for a different thread! :p

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the dollar keeps strengthening against the Euro... ;)

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:D It HAS been nearly 3 years since I purchased my pair. Upgraditis never rests!:cool:

Friends,

Thank you David for welcoming us so warmly to your community!

I am truly humbled by the honor that Ascend is paying us by pairing our ICEBlocks with the mighty Sierra-1s.

We worked very hard on the ICEBlock to make something unique and very special. The enclosure is 100% custom, a beauty that lends itself to customization and wife acceptance. We will be creating tops that perfectly match the Sierras you buy with them.

The amp itself... truly amazing. It has the speed, power, and silent noise-floor well-known with ICEPower enthusiasts but also the warmth of tubes. Gary's buffer is truly genius work and makes this amp is a true crowd-pleaser. His buffer is universally charming.

I look forward to working with Gary to answer any questions you may have.

I'm also very excited to introduce our customers to the entire line of Ascend speakers and to a long partnership with Ascend.

Very best,

Seth Krinsky
Chief Bottle Washer
Virtue Audio

PS - Some of you are probably wondering why Dave is recommending a pair of $2,000 monblocks with his $1,000 monitors. Others are asking why those monitors still only cost $1,000! It's our experience that the Sierra-1s just get better and better, the more juice you throw at them!

I hadn't heard of this company before, but if a company that has sold me on the Sierra-1, which I really like, and the Rythmik F12SE which I also really like... well the logic should be simple. I hope.

Not sure if it can really speak for the Virtue Audio ICEBlock gear, but my Peachtree Nova does have a switchable tube stage I've been playing with That I'll describe:

Initially, I was very skeptical that it would do anything and I kept it off for a while to get used to the default sound. After tuning in on, I can say that it really does nothing noticeable to the bass or midrange. It only adds a bit of softness on the highs which makes playing back less than hi-fi sources like streaming internet radio and questionably produced material much easier to bear.

It doesn't sound like there is a loss in detail, but there is definitely a bit of smoothness added. Moderately noticeable on headphones; a bit less on the speakers. It's audible on certain (but not all) material, but the sensation is more of feeling that stuff is easier to listen to than something concrete. The tube is sort of like a very subtle DSP effect, except that it sounds natural; I have found it a useful feature.

Anyway, a quality class D to look at as a possible future upgrade! Just need some more pictures on the finish options, and... well the money.

Edible,

I am very happy to hear that you have been enjoying your Sierra-1 & Rythmik combo!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ediblestarfish

It doesn't sound like there is a loss in detail, but there is definitely a bit of smoothness added. Moderately noticeable on headphones; a bit less on the speakers. It's audible on certain (but not all) material, but the sensation is more of feeling that stuff is easier to listen to than something concrete. The tube is sort of like a very subtle DSP effect, except that it sounds natural; I have found it a useful feature.

Anyway, a quality class D to look at as a possible future upgrade! Just need some more pictures on the finish options, and... well the money.

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This has been my experience too when comparing the Virtue amp to another ICE amp that just uses the ASP500 module, in stock format without any mods. The tube buffer stage takes the edge off -- a bit smoother and less fatiguing.

The Virtue IceBlock is a very good amplifier and I don't give out product recommendations easily. Just ask Seth over at Virtue --- I literally dug deep into their Virtue One amp and sent the designer my own measurements of the device to ask some rather advanced technical questions.

ICE Power is something I have been interested in since it was introduced and I have been recommending various amps and receivers based on this technology for a while now. It is certainly not for everyone though -- it is quite an expense for an amplifier. If I had my way, I would offer a 2-channel 500 watt Ascend IcePower amp for under $1000, and folks -- I have tried. It is just not economically possible :(

As I write, I have Sarah McLachlan playing through a pair of Sierra-1 with the Virtue amps driving them at medium volume. Contemplating not working this evening and just kicking back and enjoying some music time :)

We will be offering more products from Virtue soon -- have a look at their website and if any of their products interest you, send me an email.

Their Virtue One, of which several of our customers own and have commented on, matches up exceptionally well with CBM-170 SE and CMT-340 SE.

I've got a couple of Virtue amps (an original TWO and one of the new Sensations - unfortunately not these ICEpower beauties). I thought they went well with my Sierra-1s and are absolutely great at low to mid listening levels. They shone with the higher frequencies but perhaps lacked a bit of authority in the lower end, particularly at higher volumes. I have a Denon AVR that puts out about 4x the power in stereo mode, and bass response (both in sense of emphasis and quickness) was the one area where the Denon may have edged out the Virtue when mated with the Sierras - albeit mostly with music that had more going on in the lower frequencies.

Then I tried the Virtue amps with a high current supply (that is to say higher than the largest 130W switching PSU that Virtue offers - a simple battery kit that I threw together) and the missing speed and emphasis in the lower end, to my surprise, was actually noticeably improved. The soundstage also opened up slightly and I could discern ever so slightly more detail and separation in selected passages across the frequency range.

Anyway, I was surprised at the improvement a higher current power supply made with the integrated, moderately powered Virtue amps when mated with the Sierras. No, it was not night-and-day, but definitely discernible (and definitely worth the $80 or so the battery supply cost me). Something to definitely consider if Ascend-Virtue partnership extends to these integrated amps. I can only imagine what the ICEPower amps might bring to the table...

Nice review of the Virtue ICE Block:

http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-05.pdf

Starts on page 7.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by davef

As I write, I have Sarah McLachlan playing through a pair of Sierra-1 with the Virtue amps driving them at medium volume.

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Dave, just curious, which preamp would you recommend with a 2.1ch Sierra-1 and Virtue Ice Amp setup?;)

Regards,
Ken

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Timbre

Dave, just curious, which preamp would you recommend with a 2.1ch Sierra-1 and Virtue Ice Amp setup?;)

Regards,
Ken

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I have used an older Marantz pre-processor,a 2ch NAD and a Rotel RSP1060. I could not hear a difference between any of these vastly different pre-amps and with the high input impedance of the ICE Block, I would say any good quality pre-amp would be a good match :)

Hi Dave, these amps are definitely worth looking into. The idea of tube rolling also seems very interesting. :D
I looked at the virtue website and they offer lots of different customizations. Does Ascend offer something like that? I tried earlier with the Ascend store, but couldn't find a way to customize them...
Thanks,
Santiago

Virtue will actually configure and ship every unit. So whatever we offer directly, you can buy through Ascend - just tell them what you want. Some extra fees do apply for certain configurations and you can expect those to be added to the base price offered by Ascend (an extremely aggressive price, I would add).
Seth

Seth - I see there are plenty of aethetic configuration options available on your site. Do you have any additional photos of the options? Specifically for me, I'm curious what the black looks like...

Thanks!

Looks good, but I'm very surprised to see Molex plugs carrying ANYTHING to that tube input stage myself.....from the looks of the wiring I'm assuming that's just the power to the tube/circuit.
All of the tube stuff I've done in the past has been very picky about lead length/connections/dress, etc., so with capacitance issues and such there was no way I could get away with that.

I can't afford a 2K front, so I'm gonna have to live with my Boston Acoustics A7200(Sherwood A965) for the time being.........I can wish though!

Maybe some day

Hello all,
I hope I'm not hijacking this thread, but does anyone have any thoughts about all the hooplah with the Class D Audio DIY site that has in depth disscusions of these ICE amps over at the avs forums? Forgive me if I should not be posting this.

I've heard (and believe) that the ClassD amp kits are pretty great for the money. But (and this is a big BUT) as you point out, they are DIY. In addition to the kits, you would probably need to spend a couple hundred $ on an enclosure and parts (binding posts, balanced or unbalanced inputs, wiring, IEC power cable and outlet, etc). And you need to have the time and interest (and tools) it takes to assemble it.

With a product like the Virtue ICE amp, you are paying quite a bit extra, but you are paying for engineering that went in to how to optimally assemble said pieces together into a tried and tested product with loads of nice fit and finish, comprehensive warranty, etc.

So, even if the sound quality and performance at the end of the day rivals products such as the Virtue ICE amps, these are products aimed at a very different market: It would almost be like comparing Ascend Acoustics to Madisound or even Parts Express.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cynan

I've heard (and believe) that the ClassD amp kits are pretty great for the money. But (and this is a big BUT) as you point out, they are DIY. In addition to the kits, you would probably need to spend a couple hundred $ on an enclosure and parts (binding posts, balanced or unbalanced inputs, wiring, IEC power cable and outlet, etc). And you need to have the time and interest (and tools) it takes to assemble it.

With a product like the Virtue ICE amp, you are paying quite a bit extra, but you are paying for engineering that went in to how to optimally assemble said pieces together into a tried and tested product with loads of nice fit and finish, comprehensive warranty, etc.

So, even if the sound quality and performance at the end of the day rivals products such as the Virtue ICE amps, these are products aimed at a very different market: It would almost be like comparing Ascend Acoustics to Madisound or even Parts Express.

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Cynan, you are right, to purchase the stereo 250 watts/channel module and then add the power suppy and shipping I think it's about $250-$300, that's just for the parts. They have custom design chassis for $150 plus all the recommended parts to get a functioning amplifier adds aproximately another $200-$250, then you have to factor in the time for tweaking and assembly and make sure you do it right, which for someone like me can be a problem. I've also read these amps can sound harsh and too analytical, I guess with the Virtue ICE amps these issues have been addressed especially with the tubed output stage. I see your point and well taken I may add, and I like your comparision to Madison and Parts Express. The asking price for the Virtue mono amps is spot on compared to other ICE based amps that sell for thousands more. Thanks again my friend, it's been a pleasure.
Jeff

Has anyone purchased a set of these? Reviews? Comments?