 Release date delayed due to 125ASX2 design change by Bang & Olufsen. Begins Shipping June 10
The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is a new stereo integrated amp based on the ICEpower125ASX2 amplifier module delivering 55WPC into 8Ω, (with a few tweaks from our amp guy, Michael Mardis. )
State-of-the-art, high efficiency ICEpower amplification stage based on the patented HCOM modulation and MECC control techniques delivering 55WPC into 8Ω
With the introduction of the Aeolus Audio brand and the ICEamp, Audiomagus has used only the finest components and manufacturing techniques. From the ICEpower module, to the DACT attenuator, to laser-cut case graphics, Aeolus brings you high-performance, high-value and exceptionally high quality.
The ICEpower technology is a Class-D switching amplifier technology developed in a joint venture between Dr. Karsten Nielsen of the Technical University of Denmark and electronics giant Bang & Olufsen.
The signal on the mains power is often very noisy and large surge voltages are present. The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is equipped with mains filtering to suppress surges and noise.
Special care and component selection has made the ICEpower125ASX2 able to withstand surges up to 8kV, to avoid damage to the 55i in case of surges caused by lightning.
In the new ICEpower amp module we chose, there is a tight integration between power supply and amplifier. In fact, the switching power supply is on the same circuit board as the amplifier. What this means is that not only is the power supply tightly coupled to the amp (a good thing) it is specifically designed and built for this amp.
An amplifier is, after all, a fancy power supply. A power supply for your speakers that is regulated by your musical signal. Getting the power and audio sections working well together has many benefits for sound quality. The power supply is able to react quickly and predictably to musical signals and loads.
You might think that a power supply so close to the audio section would invite nose, but in this case it does not. The amp is very quiet (when it needs to be).
For those of you familiar with Class-D amps, you will know that the output filtering where the audio signal is recovered is of utmost importance. Here again Dr. Nielsen and B&O have done stellar work. Not only is the output signal very clean and free from harmonics (FM radio band), but the audio quality is superb.
We have taken this great amplifier even further with a few alterations and modifications to the input circuit that help reveal what a great amp this is.
The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i simply delivers the music and gets out of the way.
Of course you are wondering how it sounds. Surprisingly subtle and nuanced, which belies its underlying power (approx 2x120 WPC, 4 ohms and 2x55 into 8 ohms). The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is a very neutral sounding amp, if neutrality can be said to have a sound.
Compared to a Tripath based amp in the same power range, the Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is similar, but less euphonic. The Tripath Class-T amps are well known for their "tube like" sound. This is a pleasant and friendly sound (for lack of a better term) that has won fans the world over.
The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is less colored, stronger in the bass, and lacks the slight grain or glare that can sometimes affect T-Amps.
For those of you who don't have the high-efficiency loudspeakers needed to run low power amps such as the Trends, or who want more dynamic range, the Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i is the obvious choice. With its power reserves, tightly coupled supply and detailed, but uncolored, sound, it is the "iron hand in velvet glove" of amplifiers. We love it!
The Aeolus Audio ICEamp 55i comes in versions for use in counties with either 90-130 volt AC mains or counties with 180-250 volt AC mains. Power and performance are the same, no matter the AC line voltage -- one of the great advantages of the integrated switching power supplies.
- Available for 120VAC or 220VAC mains power
- Full 20kHz power bandwidth
- Short circuit protection
- Over-current protection
- Thermal protection
- Thermal protection monitoring
- Over-current protection monitoring
- RoHS compliance.
Volume is controlled with the Danish-made DACT CT2 Audio Volume Control. This high-quality stepped 24-position attenuator is designed for maximum sonic quality, accuracy and reliability. The CT2 series resistor network consist of 23 non-inductive, low noise, SMD metal film resistors. 
The layout of the PC Boards and the choice of SMD resistors have reduced the signal path to a minimum length (typically five times shorter than conventional stepped attenuator designs with leaded resistors). The PCB design combined with the special resistors also account for the very low series inductance and the very low stray capacitance.
The result is a bandwidth beyond even the most demanding audiophiles requirements.
There has been special care taken to ensure the durability of CT2. Therefore, all contacts and PCB traces are gold plated to prevent any corrosion. As a result, the CT2s will maintain their specifications after prolonged use, even in hot and humid environments.The rotary switch itself is a gold plated high precision switch manufactured in Switzerland.
The amp enclosure is extruded aluminum with heavy 6mm thick front and back plates. A solid machined-aluminum knob provides a easy volume adjustment. All interior surfaces are damped to reduce unwanted vibration.
For greater durability and improved appearance, all case graphics are laser-cut rather than silk screened.
The power rocker switch uses solid copper contacts with silver-plating. A standard IEC Jack allows the use of a wide range of mains power cords.
Vampire CM-HEX RCA Connects and Vampire BP-HEX Speaker Binding Posts offer superior plating on both, and Teflon dielectrics on the RCA, for positive connections and outstanding sound quality. The CMHEX is a chassis-mount female RCA made of brass copper plated, silver plated, and finally  gold plated. It has a Teflon dielectric. The BP-HEX is a gold-plated binding post made from one piece of hard brass, including the top nut. It is then copper plated, silver plated, and finally gold plated.
Specifications
Nominal power, 1% THD+N, SE-mode, 4Ω, 1kHz | 2 x 125W | | Bandwidth, 8Ω, -3dB point | 100kHz | | Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz, 2Ω-8Ω load range | +/-0.5dB | | Damping factor,8Ω, 100Hz | >500 | | THD+N 1kHz, 1W 8Ω | 0.002% | | Dynamic Range, A-weighted | 117dB | | Total efficiency @ 150W 8Ω | 86.4%
| Dimensions
| 7" W x 2.1" H x 12.2" L (177.8mm W x 53.34mm H x 309mm L)
| | Weight | 5 .75 lbs (2.6kg)
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