Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier Review

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by Tom Andry — last modified April 23, 2009

Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock

Summary

Product Name: Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock
Manufacturer: Seymour AV
Performance Rating:
Value Rating:
Review Date: April 23, 2009 08:15
MSRP: $ 1099 (each)

Specifications

	Ice Block 2001	Ice Block 5001	Ice Block 10001
Rated Power, Channels	200w x 1	500w x 1	1000w x 1
Max Output Power 0.1% THD+N, 1kHz (AES17 filter)	300w (2.7Ω) 210w (4.0Ω) 120w (8.0Ω)	550w (4.0Ω) 300w (8.0Ω)	1100w (4.0Ω) 600w (8.0Ω)
Max Current Output	25A	35A	40A
Dynamic Range	112dBA	116dBA	119dBA
THD+N f=1kHz, Po=1w	0.005% (4Ω)	0.006% (4Ω)	0.007% (4Ω)
Frequency Response	5.3Hz-80kHz (8Ω) 5.3Hz-60kHz (4Ω)	5.3Hz-80kHz (8Ω) 5.3Hz-60kHz (4Ω)	5.3Hz-38kHz (8Ω) 5.3Hz-31kHz (4Ω)
Output Idle Noise	80µV	80µV	80µV
Output Impedance f=1kHz	5mΩ	5mΩ	5mΩ
Nominal Voltage Gain	27.0dB	27.1dB	27.2dB
Damping Factor f=100Hz, R=8Ω	2000	2000	2000
Minimum Load Impedance	2.0Ω	2.0Ω	2.0Ω
Intermodulation (CCIF) f=14kHz, 15kHz, Po=10w	0.0009%	0.0005%	0.002%
Transient Intermodulation (TIM) f1=3.15kHz square, f2=15kHz, Po=10w	0.003%	0.003%	0.003%
Signal Polarity Inversion	No	No	No
Total Efficiency	83% @ 100w, 8Ω	83% @ 250w, 8Ω	83% @ 500w, 8Ω
Voltage Range	90-132.5 Vac (115V, 55-65Hz) 190-265 Vac (230V, 45-55Hz)	90-132.5 Vac (115V, 55-65Hz) 190-265 Vac (230V, 45-55Hz)	90-132.5 Vac (115V, 55-65Hz) 190-265 Vac (230V, 45-55Hz)
Idle Power	7.5w	9w	15.8w
Fuse Rating	3.15A (115V) 2.5A (230V)	6.3A (115V) 3.15A (230V)	10A (115V) 6.3A (230V)
ICEpower Module	250ASP	500ASP	1000ASP
Approvals: EMI, Safety	EN55103-1, EN55103-2, FCC part 15, UL6500, ROHS compliant	EN55103-1, EN55103-2, FCC part 15, UL6500, ROHS compliant	EN55103-1, EN55103-2, FCC part 15, UL6500, ROHS compliant
Full Protection	Thermal, Over current, HF, Zobel network	Thermal, Over current, HF, Zobel network	Thermal, Over current, HF, Zobel network
Dimensions (in) (H x W x D)	(3.2 x 8.5 x 15.1)	(3.2 x 8.5 x 15.1)	(3.2 x 8.5 x 15.1)
Weight (lb, w/o cord)	10.5	11.2	12.2
Price (USD), each	$999	$1099	$1399

Pros

Looks
Price
Performance
Customer service
Bragging rights

Cons

Worst power cord ever
Unable to continuously sustain full power bandwidth
Slightly cheesy sticker logo on front

Introduction

It's not hard to see that I'm impressed with the Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier. It has plenty of power, great aesthetics, and near perfect functionality. Most of all, they provide esoteric components, looks, and construction at near enthusiast prices. That alone should be a huge selling point for those with smaller wallets but refined tastes. Plus, you'll have an amp that is not only a show piece for the uninitiated but also sports all the "extras" that will impress your esoteric friends. What more could you ask for?

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gene posts on April 29, 2009 15:41

We you able to measure the power output w/ graphs/charts?

You know the usual RMS Continuous power rating @ 0.1% THD?

no, but I know how to interpret a data sheet. Also there is no such thing as RMS power

AcuDefTechGuy posts on April 29, 2009 15:31

We you able to measure the power output w/ graphs/charts?

You know the usual RMS Continuous power rating @ 0.1% THD?

gene posts on April 29, 2009 15:27

what do these 1000ASP modules put out at 2 ohm loads?

Very similar to the 4 ohm rating at 1kHz and likely less at higher frequencies. Most speakers impedance magnitudes are above 2 ohms so it shouldn't be much of an issue unless you trying to drive a highly reactive ESL type speaker which B&O cautions against.

AcuDefTechGuy posts on April 29, 2009 13:51

what do these 1000ASP modules put out at 2 ohm loads?

Last time I checked, it was around 1500 watts into 2 ohms.

However, my understanding is that all these ratings are not Continuous RMS 20Hz-20kHz.

VladP posts on April 29, 2009 10:57

what do these 1000ASP modules put out at 2 ohm loads?

I don't think this information is reported at the B&O website and I have not seen independent measurements.