Cerrot, I find your dissatisfaction with ICE and or class D amplification's presentation completely understandable. In your first post it seemed to me that it was a typical dismissal of class D that so many give without ever actually living with the technology. Your above post adds a great deal of credibility regarding your preference. Class D, at this point is, indeed, not for everyone.
I have decided to keep some of my old amplifiers to use as a baseline in my evolving class D experience. I find the emotional impact you speak of in my MFA tube amp when I insert in my two channel system from time to time. Living with tubes since 1961 I've grown tired with there shortcomings as well as my linear solid state amplifier.
Once I understood what it took to use a class D amp to its full potential I became addicted to the unique transparency my current Nuforce amps provide in my two channel system. I'm guessing this is where the line between our preferences lies. Many hear the ultra transparency of many class D designs as forward, analytical, cold, or thin. I've heard this myself in mismatched or hastily assembled systems. I hear it as a plate glass clarity with as little playback embellishment I can provide upstream.
While the Pioneer doesn't match the NuForce finesse in my two channel system it comes close enough for me to be used in my HT system. The Pioneer didn't reproduce the same two channel sound stage in my two channel system but that's not what it's intended for. Running room corrected, reproducing 7.1 or even matrixed 5.1 to 7.1 the screen staging is simply stunning. I've already described the difference it provided compared to my previous receiver. One thing I failed to mention is that I'm driving seven Triangle Comete speakers. These provide a very easy load for any receiver.
After checking out your main system (very nice) I have a clearer appreciation of your preferences and am reminded just how we are digging for the same goal using different tools . Thanks for taking the time.
I have decided to keep some of my old amplifiers to use as a baseline in my evolving class D experience. I find the emotional impact you speak of in my MFA tube amp when I insert in my two channel system from time to time. Living with tubes since 1961 I've grown tired with there shortcomings as well as my linear solid state amplifier.
Once I understood what it took to use a class D amp to its full potential I became addicted to the unique transparency my current Nuforce amps provide in my two channel system. I'm guessing this is where the line between our preferences lies. Many hear the ultra transparency of many class D designs as forward, analytical, cold, or thin. I've heard this myself in mismatched or hastily assembled systems. I hear it as a plate glass clarity with as little playback embellishment I can provide upstream.
While the Pioneer doesn't match the NuForce finesse in my two channel system it comes close enough for me to be used in my HT system. The Pioneer didn't reproduce the same two channel sound stage in my two channel system but that's not what it's intended for. Running room corrected, reproducing 7.1 or even matrixed 5.1 to 7.1 the screen staging is simply stunning. I've already described the difference it provided compared to my previous receiver. One thing I failed to mention is that I'm driving seven Triangle Comete speakers. These provide a very easy load for any receiver.
After checking out your main system (very nice) I have a clearer appreciation of your preferences and am reminded just how we are digging for the same goal using different tools . Thanks for taking the time.