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Class-D amps - a different re view

Martin Colloms, the editor of HiFi Critic (ad-free mag from the UK) have recently published the review of several different Class-D amps, together with an in depth technical analysys and measurments.

His conclusions were not favourable, to say at least:

"I regret that not a single model merits unqualified recommendation. Price is not the issue; the poor listening tests speak for themselves. (...)
At present we have to take the prudent view that good sound might be possible from switching amps, but we haven't heard it yet."

BelCanto REF1000 (ICEpower) - score 10.5 pooints
"The ICE power module used has a dependable reputation, and the design is well built and finished as a whole. While I would not suggest that you shouldn't try this amp, on sound quality grounds alone I cannot recommend it for audiophile use."

Channel Islands D100 (UcD) - score 13 pooints
"While I have reservations about a number of aspects of sound quality, and advise personal audition, given the solid lab results (...) the overall performance and the moderate price, these CA Audio monos do make it to the 'worth considering' cathegory."

NuForce 8.5V2 (proprietary technology) - score 9 pooints
"Yes, the price is good for the power output. Yes it's pretty, light, small and runs cool. However, the sound quality simply does not justify recommendation." (on top of that the NuForce amp measured very poorly - Elb)

Pro-Ject Amp Box (Flying Mole) - score 5 points
"I'm sorry to say that Project (...) was a real disappointment in the listening tests, and can't be recommended."

Just as a point of reference, recently reviewed Krell 700CX scored 100 points, CJ Premier 350 - 110 points and ARC Ref 110 - 135 points.

At least someone have had the balls to say it. This is why HiFi Critic is THE mag to subscribe.
128x128elberoth2
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Nelson lives just up the road for me. What I would give for a visit from him. Seriously, he would be shocked. That from a former Pass Labs fan.

When I first got into class D amps, I immediately saw more promise than drawbacks. My amp builder cut his audio teeth designing no feedback class A amps. There is no looking back for him or I.

My own system has been criticized over the last three years. I was told just the other day by a fellow audio enthusiast class D sound has an overemphasis of the leading edge, and a lack of depth. There was no question in his mind my system championed sound-stage presentation and detail.

Much to his surprise, on a visit just a few days ago, there is no hint of a hot leading edge. Depth leaps into the distance. Place of the music's origin superimposes my own walls.

Why the change? It is the learning curve I wrote about. The choice of caps, of speaker cables, and of source made all the difference.

Atmasphere, if only you could hear this.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,810 posts
 
Muralman1, here indeed is one the bigger issues of forum use in high end audio! We use a lot of the same language in description of system attributes, yet have no way of knowing if we actually mean the same thing with the same depth. So there is no way that I would know what you have, just as there is no way that you would know what I have without us hearing each other's setup.

The learning curve is without a doubt a serious concern. What I have seen of class D amps confirms your own findings- proper setup pays huge dividends (regardless of the technology). We deal with the same issues all the time with our amps too. I do wonder about some of the comments seen in the press that started this thread- how much was said based on setup issues?
chaz801's avatar
chaz801
77 posts
 
I have to pay closer attention to Class D amps. I've read a lot about them but really considered them. I looked at the Nuforce speakers and Nuforce nine amps at ces. It sounded good but didnt move me. I just returned from RMAF and wow! What a show. Im considering the Acoustic Zen Adagios as my next speaker. I talked to Robert Lee of AZ and I told him the Halcro/AZ combo was awsome at the show. He said for the price range i want to be in, that i should consider a pair of moded belcanto 1000 or red dragon amps to go with those speakers. He said they sound as good and in some eyes better than the halcro/az combo. The same goes for the national sales rep for joseph. Im very familiar with joseph speakers. He mentioned that the Belcanto 1000 amps were mind blowing amps with the new RM 33s speakers. Now i want to hear them.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Atmasphere, Yours is a fair and responsible reply. Thank you.
audioperv
18 posts
 
Chaz801, in the same general price range as the Nuforce and Red Dragon, you should consider also having a listen to the Spectron Musician 3 Sig, the H2o, and to the Rowland 501 monos. You may find they sound somewhat different from one another. You may love one or more of them. . . or you may very well hate them all. If I am correct, some form of at home auditioning may be available at least from Spectron.
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