NCore vs. Ice -- single or separate cases

Depending on the Euro the Hypex NCore 400 kits maybe the least expensive introduction to switching amplifiers, depending you don't go nuts on case work.

Compared to buying used, nCore technology is quite new. Without actual experience with ICE kits I can't honestly say which is better. The only ICE examples that didn't sound horrible to me where highly modified such as Rowland and Bel Canto.

I should mention that I use nCores in my studio were there presentation is incredibly useful in monitoring mic placement. I use Carver tube amps in my main system.

Long cabling? How long is long?

Charles 1, my amplifier history begins with a pair of Marantz 8Bs then an MFA, a few solid state, and more than a few switching amplifiers.

I enjoyed the switching amplifiers ability to play loud without the congestion and fatigue associated with the solid state amps that I could afford. I also enjoyed their cost and transparency while living with their somewhat forward presentation and odd order distortion.

I sold my Nuforce pair, bought the nCore kits on the strength of forum chat. They proved to be an across the board improvement while still maintaining a switching amplifier presentation to a lesser degree.

During this time I putting together a better recording room. I had been searching for a powerful tube amp to drive my Eidolons without spending big money. I had settled on a pair of MFA M-200s but none surfaced in reasonable condition.

Enter the Carver VTA 180s. Powerful with difficult loads, easy on tubes, interesting circuit design, cool running, made in the US, and affordable. Growing up in the vacuum tube era returning to tubes was a no brainer for me while the nCores do their work in the studio.

What speakers will you be using and whats your room like? Their load and quality could have some bearing on the suggestions given.

Tony, clearly your budget seems to be driving your choice for a new amplifier. I would only suggest whatever you choose give it 200 hours or more before you do any critical listening.

Don't sell your current amplifier just in case things don't work out for you.