i-V1 ULTRA

Why Damping Factor Matters

The i·V1 ULTRA's 800 damping factor is one of its most significant specifications, and it's worth understanding why. Damping factor describes the amplifier's ability to control the speaker driver after the signal tells it to stop moving. A driver in motion has inertia; it wants to keep moving even after the musical signal has stopped. The amplifier's damping factor determines how quickly and precisely it can arrest that unwanted motion.

In practical terms, high damping factor means tighter, more controlled bass. The woofer stops when the music says stop, rather than continuing to ring or overshoot. With 800 damping factor, the i·V1 ULTRA has iron-fisted control over any speaker it drives, producing bass that's fast, defined, and rhythmically precise. This is particularly important with Legacy's larger speakers (the Focus SE's dual 10-inch woofers, the Classic HD's dual 8-inch woofers), where loose bass control can turn rich low-end into muddy resonance.

The 38 amps of peak current delivery ensures that the i·V1 ULTRA never runs out of headroom during dynamic peaks. A full orchestral climax, a drum solo, a bass drop in electronic music: these transient demands can cause lesser amplifiers to clip or compress. The i·V1 ULTRA delivers the current these peaks demand without flinching.

The ULTRA Amplifier Lineup

The i·V1 ULTRA is the monoblock variant in Legacy's ULTRA amplifier series. For most two-channel systems, a pair of i·V1 ULTRAs provides dedicated amplification for each speaker, the ideal configuration for maximum channel separation and the shortest possible signal path from amplifier to speaker.

For listeners who prefer a single chassis, the i·V2 ULTRA ($6,000) delivers 610 watts per channel into 8 ohms in a stereo configuration. It uses the same ICEedge modules and 800 damping factor as the i·V1, but consolidates both channels into one chassis, a simpler installation with performance that's functionally identical for most listening scenarios.

The i·V4 ULTRA ($9,000) extends the concept to four channels at 610 watts each, designed for multichannel systems, bi-amping configurations, or powering the passive sections of multiple Legacy powered speakers. It's the logical amplifier choice for home theater systems using Legacy's powered and passive speakers together.

All ULTRA amplifiers share the same sonic signature: neutral, effortless, and completely transparent. They don't impose a character on the music; they amplify what's there with the power and control to let your speakers perform at their absolute best.

Practical Considerations

Class D amplification runs cool. The i·V1 ULTRA can be placed in an enclosed cabinet without the ventilation concerns that Class A/B amplifiers demand. It draws modest power from the wall at idle and scales its consumption with the signal, a practical advantage that adds up over years of daily listening.

Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, with a 38kΩ input impedance that's compatible with any preamplifier or processor. The compact chassis (17.5 inches wide by 15.6 inches deep by 5.8 inches tall) fits standard equipment racks and can be stacked when multiple units are used.

For Legacy Audio speakers specifically, the i·V series amplifiers are the recommended pairing. They're designed to complement the impedance characteristics, sensitivity specifications, and sonic signature of Legacy's loudspeaker lineup. Dave can advise on the optimal amplifier configuration for your specific system and listening preferences.