Confused by ICE applications


I've started to get interested in the switch-mode power supplies, but I'm confused by how the various amplifier makers use them. My current investigation is into the B&O ICE modules and Jeff Rowland amps.

From what I can see on the ICE web page, they only sell complete amplifier modules. If that's so, what does JRDG (or Bel Canto) do with them? I'd thought that ICE would supply the power supply and the output stage was then up to the end user...
128x128macdonj
Magfan - about half of Icepower modules have built in SMPS including mentioned 200ASC used in Rowland's 102, Bel Canto S300 and PS Audio Trio.

SMPS can put as much power thru 2" toroid at 100kHz as 10" dia, "big nice Toroid" at 60 Hz. In addition 100kHz is not audible and easy to filter out while 60 Hz is audible and difficult to clean. SMPS is regulated while linear power supply is not.
For those interested in the ICE amps, applications and some detail, please try this:: http://www.icepower.bang-olufsen.com/en/downloads/
It is a complete list of available products and some downloads.
Looks like the ASP series comes with on-board power which can also power an 'A' series module....Can you say Bi-Amp?
I am unable at this time to get at the Product OR DataSheets for the ASP series. Hope you have better luck
Just coming to similar conclusions.
Also, some of the 'd' amps run at 400khz which makes it even easier to filter out..
I'm sold! My GCC is a monster and Easily has my Maggies at full potential.
Now, about those pesky fuses!
Magfan - there is still some residue (about 1%) of 400 kHz but it is not harmful. Switching transients were already removed by output filter and 1% residue of 400kHz will radiate at 1/4 wave if speaker wires are longer than 615 feet.
Magfan,

The point you raised yesterday was the heart of my question. I'd seen the www.icepower... link and thought to myself: if everyone is using the same modules, won't the amps sound the same?

Kijanki and Dcstep have a partial answer: the lower cost Rowland gear is apparently similar or identical to the competition (say, Bel Canto); however, the higher cost Rowland gear has more modificaitons and may sound different.

I wouldn't expect Jeff Rowland to give precise descriptions of any modifications he makes to an ICE Power module when he uses it, but I would like a general sense of why his products are different than some other company's that uses the ICE Power units.