Legacy Powerbloc2 Stereo Amplifier Preview

See the complete review for the Legacy Powerbloc2 Stereo Amplifier.

I’ve just received Legacy’s new Powerbloc2 Class D Two-Channel Power Amplifier for review.

Having visited Bill Dudleston’s factory in Springfield, Illinois and seeing both the production line and listening studio, I’ve had the chance to hear several of Legacy’s speakers in his reference space. I have also reviewed the Legacy HD Monitors and the slim, wall mounted Silhouettes over the last few years in my own room. Seeing the amount of effort Legacy puts into voicing their speakers, it was probably only a matter of time before they designed their own amplifiers.

It’s no surprise to me that Legacy decided to forgo the class A/B design and employ a state-of-the-art ICEpower design that comes in two or four channels. I will be reviewing the Powerbloc2, a two-channel dual-mono configuration. Stable, even when driven hard, the Powerbloc 2 delivers high resolution from an ultrawide 1.5Hz-70kHz bandwidth that delivers just .005% THD at a rated output 325 watts into 8 ohms, and 650 watts into 4 ohms. Each channel has its own power supply. The inputs include two balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA jacks. Outputs are a pair of gold-plated safety approved five-way binding posts with hand-soldered connections.

Being Class D, the Powerbloc2 is both slim and light, weighing in at 17 pounds. Because efficiency is so high, it runs very cool and quiet. There is no transformer noise or the sound of a cooling fan kicking in during extended music listening. I also noticed that it cycles on much faster than my Class A monoblocks. Having reviewed a Class D amplifier from Lyngdorf, I’ll be curious to see if the Powerbloc2 can meet that high standard. Look for my full review in the next few weeks.

See the complete review for the Legacy Powerbloc2 Stereo Amplifier.

Jim Milton

Jim Milton has been interested in high fidelity since his college years in the late 70's. It was there that he first became interested in classical music. He has been part of choral music, both in opera and oratorio and is an avid collector of classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. He enjoys an occasional night at Boston Symphony Hall or attending an organ concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Currently he is the director of Nuclear Medicine at the North Shore Medical Center, located just outside of Boston. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Salem State University where he teaches a course in nuclear instrumentation. During his leisure time, he enjoys listening to his music collection and an occasional movie with his wife of 30+ years. Living on the longest stretch of sandy beach north of Boston offers him plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll or soak up some sun. "Remember, acquiring good A/V gear takes lots of time...but doesn't necessarily take lots of money."