General Asylum: REVIEW: Crimson 640D Amplifier (SS) by Top Cat

Model:	640D
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	1750 UKP inc. Preamp
Description:	200w compact monoblock power amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by Top Cat on September 25, 2001 at 05:30:04
IP Address: 155.136.219.101

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for the 640D

Background:
In February of this year, I changed my speakers to Neat Petite MkIII with Gravitas Subwoofers. I had been trialing a pair of Audiophysic Virgo speakers for a while, but ultimately although I loved the sound, their positioning requirements were proving to be too difficult to live with. On changing from the Virgos to the Neats, the sensitivity drop from around 91db to 86db made my Arcam 10-series amps work much harder, and ultimately I felt they lacked the control and clout necessary to drive the excellent Neat speakers effectively.
Demo Candidates:
Naim was the pre-demo favourite; as a member of the Naim Audio forum and an admirer of the musical sound of Naim amps, I was biased in their direction. I also shortlisted Primare, a big NAD silverline and a few others. I liked the idea of the little Crimson monoblocks and preamp, but wasn't about to stake the cash on an unknown brand without a fair amount of auditioning.
So, I was basically comparing:
Naim 82/250/HC
Naim 102/150/HC
Crimson 640D/610C monoblock/pre
Primare Pre:Power (forget the model)
Big NAD
The first to go were the Nad and Primare; both nice enough sounding amplifiers, but lacking that last degree of get-up-and-go, that zest and sparkle that truly great amps bestow onto the music. In the end, the 102/150/HC sounded good but couldn't cut it with the Neats - they are a demanding 4ohm speaker which likes to be 'spanked hard' by a stern master. Ahem. The real comparison was the 82/250/HiCap setup versus the Crimsons. On paper, the 82 setup is a known-performer. The 250, despite being only rated at 70wpc, is known to punch well above its station. The fine 82 preamp delivers detail and sparkle, with the benefit of HiCap power. However, at a cost - over 1000UKP more than the Crimson setup.
The Crimson setup was a lesser-known quantity; to date, I am the only person I know with a pair, and despite being narrow-but-deep, they pack an incredible punch - 200w into 8 ohms, near to 400w into 4 ohms. Each. So the drive and control was never going to be the problem. In the end, they basically out-did the Naim amplifiers by presenting a more detailed, energetic-yet-in-control sound, with a tactile quality to the sound. Vinyl especially sounded great with these little amps - so small that three can sit side by side on my Mana support rack (http://www.mana.co.uk). I know that the Naim gear is well regarded, and expected to end up swallowing the price and going for the higher end Naim system I demo'd, but the Crimson simply outshone it in all the areas that Naim is supposedly best at, whilst destroying it in terms of more traditional hifi virtues, such as soundstaging and detail. Sold!
Longer term view:
I've now had the amps for over six months; they have provided me with much pleasure, although the amps I bought did take a while to be run-in properly. With my old Linn LP12/Aro/Lingo turntable on the Phase 6 Mana system, I had a high-end source which really shone through the Crimsons. However, disaster struck one evening and my wall mountings collapsed under the 100Kg weight of the Phase 6 support. Fast-forward a few months and one insurance claim later, I have a new turntable - the CLearaudio Evolution with Tangent arm, Sigma Gold MC cartridge and heaps of new vinyl. This is altogether superior to the Linn setup that I had, and the Crimsons allow this turntable to show that superiority with ease. The tactile sound of good vinyl becomes highly alluring and addictive through my amps.
Developments:
The weakest link in the chain was always the Crimson preamp - much cheaper than the poweranps, I always suspected it was somewhat out of its depth with the power amps and superb sources. So, in a moment of wallet-scaring impetuousity, I visited my dealer and auditioned the Crimson 640D power amps with the superb DNM 3-series Preamp. Wow! All of a sudden I realised that the Crimson preamp had only allowed a portion of the musicality, precision, drive and speed of the music to flow through - the DNM provided all of this. Another purchase ensued... :-)
Price: 1750 UKP ($2600) including two monoblocks and one preamp.
Recommended option: Don't buy the preamp - it is great at the price but a DNM or similar preamp will sound better - I am buying a 3B Start at 1800 UKP ($2700) with a view to moving up to the 3D Six at 5000 UKP ($7500) over the longer term.

Product Weakness: Prejudice: Crimson used to make kit-amps in the 70s, and people therefore tar the modern product (made by the same people who make DNM amps) without actually hearing how good it is.
Price: It should be more expensive, so as to be taken seriously - it is a bargain at the price they sell it at, and can easily outperform anything else at the price.
Speaker terminals: Accepts bananas only; would have been nice to be able to accept bare wire or spades.
Product Strengths: Surprising power, control and dynamism from a comparitively small box (can drive my Neats for 1 minute after switching the power amps off from cap reserves alone!)
Very musical and capable, especially as revealed in the context of a better source and preamp.
Size: I can fit the two monoblocks and the Crimson preamp onto one shelf with space to spare.
Simplicity: The simple design and compactness, although somewhat industrial, is pleasant and doesn't attract the eye too much.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	reviewed
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Crimson 610C
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Linn LP12/Aro/Lingo, Clearaudio Evolution/Tangent/Sigma Gold
Speakers:	Neat Petite III with Gravitas Subs
Cables/Interconnects:	DNM Reson, Nordost Solar Wind
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Pop, eclectic
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 11 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Big comfy sofa
Time Period/Length of Audition:	6 months+
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Kimber/DNM power chords, Mana Support System (phase 5/6)
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner