Ampzilla! Amzilla! Ampzilla!

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited June 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
. . . . look at all the little Japanese transistors running. God, I want one of these.

http://www.ampzilla2000.com/10audio.htm

Ampzilla_2.jpg

Ampzilla_1.jpg
Post edited by SolidSqual on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2010
    http://www.ampzilla2000.com/index.html

    AMPZILLA 2000 2nd EDITION SPECIFICATIONS



    * POWER OUTPUT
    16 Ohms - minimum 150 watts 20Hz to 20kHz
    8 Ohms - minimum 300 watts 20Hz to 20kHz
    4 Ohms - minimum 500 watts 20Hz to 20kHz
    * Total T.H.D. & I.M. Distortion
    4 to 16 Ohms less than .05% at any power level up to rated
    at any frequency or combination of frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz.
    * Input Impedance and Sensitivity
    1 volt R.M.S. across 50kohms for 300 watts into 8 ohms on the unbalanced input.
    (note: the impedance value can be adjusted to any value up to 1 megohm-consult the factory)
    +/- 1 volt R.M.S. across +/- 70kohms for 300 watts into 8 ohms on the balanced input.
    Input selector switch for balanced or unbalanced
    * Frequency response and power bandwidth at rated power
    8 ohms - better than +/- .2 dB 20Hz to 20kHz
    4 ohms - better than +/- .3 dB 20Hz to 20kHz
    * Stability
    100 % stable into any load angle 0 to 90 degrees,
    capacitive or inductive, regardless of waveshape     (REALLY??????)
    * Damping factor
    Greater than 250 at 20Hz
    * Noise
    Better than -120dB relative to full rated power

    Protection Power switch/circuit breaker 4 DC power supply fuses with indicators
    Gold plated input and dual output jacks
    All steel 14 ga. Chassis, powder coat finish Peak clipping indicator LED, thermal LED
    The entire amplifier circuitry (except the power output stages) is contained on one main drive card which also contains the input jacks. This means that the amplifier is completely upgradeable with future circuit improvements.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited March 2010
    Holy crap that IS a BIG tranny!! (at least with respect to the case size ) Any specs listed on the tranny?
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2010
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Holy crap that IS a BIG tranny!! (at least with respect to the case size ) Any specs listed on the tranny?

    http://www.ampzilla2000.com/its_not_easy_being_green.html

    Here's some interesting info. I'll look for a tech spec.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited March 2010
    Looks like it might be a captive power cord--at least from one of the Son of Ampzilla pics.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited March 2010
    Lastly, a word about noise. My current SST amplifiers are without a doubt and NO exception, the absolute quietest amplifiers ever made in history. Nothing else on the planet even comes close. How Quiet? The wideband (only an 80kHz filter) input noise on my amps is lower than virtually every PHONO input known to man. Yes, less than .3uV (300 nanovolts). This allows us to verify accurately the distortion character even into the sub-milliwatt level without noise contamination. Of course this would not be possible without the special transformer design and unique grounding layout.

    That's one heck of a statement.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2010
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Looks like it might be a captive power cord--at least from one of the Son of Ampzilla pics.

    http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/son-of-ampzilla-amplifier-5-2005.html
    son-of-ampzilla-amplifier-inside-chassis-rear.jpg

    Yeah, the cord on the Son of Amzilla is not going anywhere, but I can't find a picture of the Ampzilla 2000.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2010
    Ahhh, found it.
    The captive power cord will undoubtly upset some audiophiles much more, but at least the cord is heavy-gauge.

    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue20/ampzilla.htm
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited March 2010
    That's a James Bongiorno design from SAE and GAS fame. I'd love to get my hands on a few of those! It would be nice if they made a VU meter version.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited March 2010
    Oh, I thought you were talking about the original Ampzilla.

    By the bye, Mr. Bongiorno started out designing for Dynaco prior to SAE, GAS, SUMO, and (whatever else he did between then and Ampzilla 2000/Spread Spectrum Technologies).

    Ampzilla%20Pin%20up.jpg
    http://gasaudio.net/Ampzilla%20Pin%20up.jpg

    Heck, I'd even like to have one of those... and I am not a big fan of the soiled state.

    Plus, James is a snappy dresser...

    Bongo.jpg
    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue5/images/Bongo.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,851
    edited March 2010
    Lil bit o history...

    When Saul Marantz and Jon Dahlquist created one of the world's most famous speakers, they used an amplifier with an odd name:Ampzilla. When James Bongiorno developed his Ampzilla, he declared that any true amplifier would have dual mono circuitry. His own system was a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10 with three Ampzilla II stacked on either side. (A total of 6 Ampzillas) Ampzilla II was a 200wp/ch brute with a vertical blowing fan which allowed stacking of the amplifiers. The fan's speed was governed by a rectifier held in place by a glob of silicone cement. Of the four feet on the amplifier, the right, rear screw was shorter so as not to touch the rectifier. Many people who had their Ampzilla amps "fixed" enjoyed them briefly until the right channel stopped working, because the repair person didn't know that the screw for right rear "foot" was supposed to be the short one! There is no dispute over the synergy of the Ampzilla II and the Dahlquist DQ-10a. It would seem that they were made for each other, and the sound is magical, so much so, that owners of the Time Aligned, Phased Array Dahlquist speaker couldn't tolerate the sound of any "box" speaker. Box speakers had no time alignment, and unlike the DQ-10a speakers, which were "mirror image", they all had a similar boxy sound. Adding a subwoofer to DQ-10s brings one to a much higher critical listening experience, and because the Ampzilla is a perfect amp/speaker match, they live harmoniously for a long time as "vintage" components.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited March 2010
    I did not know that the (notoriously inefficient) DQ-10 was voiced with/for the Ampzilla!

    I did know that their cosmetics were (shall we say) strongly influenced by the similarly nonboxy Quad ESL-57, though.

    PS The Son of Ampzilla and the Grandson are also both very nice sounding amplifiers.

    Even more gratuitous side-comment: I now have a semi-functional (working but a bit flaky) GAS Thaedra preamp to play with.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2010
    I think he also designed a DIY amp called the Paper Tiger. My Dad and I built that amp from plans in a DIY electronics hobbiest magazine.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2010
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    . . . . look at all the little Japanese transistors running. God, I want one of these.

    http://www.ampzilla2000.com/10audio.htm

    Ampzilla_2.jpg

    Ampzilla_1.jpg

    How much money do they cost ??
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2010
    Captain Kirk's amp.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 935
    edited March 2010
    The Ampzilla 2000 mono blocks are just plain awesome. They drove my Martin Logan CLS, which are known difficult loads, with ease. When I went to the Prodigy hybrids, everything went to the next level. James rocks my world.

    prodigy06.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 935
    edited March 2010
    And yes the logo does look like a comm link from Star Trek. It works for me, as I like Star Trek and I love these amps.

    ampzilla2000_unboxed.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2010
    That face plate ruins it for me.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited March 2010
    I saw a few GAS and ampzilla amps out on audiogon but never paid much attention. This bad boy I've never seen and someday would like to try them. I think they run around 3-4K per amp but I'm not sure, but I think thats what I read on the site.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • curved
    curved Posts: 664
    edited March 2010
    cstmar01 wrote: »
    I saw a few GAS and ampzilla amps out on audiogon but never paid much attention. This bad boy I've never seen and someday would like to try them. I think they run around 3-4K per amp but I'm not sure, but I think thats what I read on the site.

    Would be very interesting to see how this stacks up against the Krell's, McIntosh's, etc.
    Living Room:....................[HTML] [/HTML] Zone 2 (Workout Room):
    AVR - Yamaha RX-V757......JBL 4312 Pro Monitors
    Pre - Nak CA-5
    AMP - Adcom 555 (Main)
    Main - Polk RTI8**/RTiA5
    AMP - Adcom 545II (Center)
    Center - Polk CSiA4**
    Sub - Snell Basis 300:p......Zone 3 (Outside)
    CD - Yamaha CDC-555.......Def Tech AW5500
    TV - Pani TH-42PZ80U
    BR - LG BD390
    Monster HTS1600 Power Center
    Dedicated Circuit - (2) 20amp, (1) 15amp
    Ben's IC, Canare 4S11
    **Dayton and Sonicap Caps with Mills Resistors**
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited March 2010
    can't edit but
    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue20/ampzilla.htm
    bottom of page the cost is "Son of Ampzilla 2000
    Retail: $3250"

    if thats for both I may have to try them out sometime hehehe.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2010
    Wardsweb wrote: »
    The Ampzilla 2000 mono blocks are just plain awesome. They drove my Martin Logan CLS, which are known difficult loads, with ease. When I went to the Prodigy hybrids, everything went to the next level. James rocks my world.

    prodigy06.jpg

    I think that pictures beautiful .......very excellent setup buddy I bet it sounds F***KIN fantastic
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited March 2010
    Wardsweb wrote: »
    The Ampzilla 2000 mono blocks are just plain awesome. They drove my Martin Logan CLS, which are known difficult loads, with ease. When I went to the Prodigy hybrids, everything went to the next level. James rocks my world.

    prodigy06.jpg


    That's a beautiful setup!!!! Very nice!! Where'd you get the A/V rack? Audio Advisor? I really like the 3-wide ability.


    I really dig the way those Martin Logan's look! I've never heard any ML's before, but I'd love to try a pair someday.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    That's a beautiful setup!!!! Very nice!! Where'd you get the A/V rack? Audio Advisor? I really like the 3-wide ability.
    This maybe?

    http://www.racksandstands.com/StudioTech-HF-33-B-B-SO0145.html
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2010
    I've been needing a new paperweight.....

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited March 2010
    Wardsweb. What sub(s) is that?
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2010
    MillerLiteScott wrote: »
    Wardsweb. What sub(s) is that?

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96986
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 935
    edited March 2010
    Face wrote: »
    This maybe?

    http://www.racksandstands.com/StudioTech-HF-33-B-B-SO0145.html

    Close - I bought it direct from Studio Tech

    http://www.studiotech.com/products/component_racks/high_fidelity_hf-33/index.html
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited March 2010
    Check that MASSIVE custom sub in the corner~

    prodigy06.jpg
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2010
    You guys are killing me...

    is that guy in the Pink suit 'really' the guy that designed an amp called Ampzilla?

    Sounds like something from an Edward Albee play. Theater of the Absurd!

    He makes Salvatore Dali look 'tame'?

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited March 2010
    Yup, that is James Bongiorno.
    He's quite a character.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter