Nuforce STA200

OK, installed and running, just a couple hours on it...

WOW, for $500 this is incredibly good. Everything above that was said about this amp is true. 

I need time to really sit back an assess it, and I want to let it burn in a bit  before that. But initial impressions, great bass extension (much better than the Vincent SP-331 I tried, and better than my B&K reference 200.2 from my other system) unbelievably transparent, fantastic imaging. Deep sound stage.

Running with upgrade but generic 14 gauge PC currently.

:) :) :)

A few weeks from now you might be convinced there's nothing at $500 that can compare. It is an amazing value.

It is a great amp, and it found a home in my 3rd system running a pair of Wharfedales Emerald 97 mk IVs, but it was beat out by the Proceed BPA2 for this system. 

The amp originally retailed for $1200. I believe NuForce was discontinuing the amp (from what I was told). Nuforce manufacturing produced new batches to run out parts inventory at facility. However, the word got out and the amp has new life with more manufacturing runs. 

I'll be honest, if the sound of the amp with your speaker combination is what you like, you'll be find to find anything better even at $1200. Like I said earlier, I purchased the amp as a "go between" until more funds became available (my old amp blew). I decided to upgrade other components because I am so happy. After the NuForce, I purchased a Rogue tube RP-5, combo is amazing. 

I feel a little embarrassed to ask this question, and I will explain why. Simply, in my 50 plus years at this ( as an audio professional and consumer / hobbyist ), I have opened every amp I have every owned, to do a mod or 2 of some kind ( everything can be modded, for improved sq ). Has anyone been under the hood of the STA 200, as I have a few mods I would like to do. Removing the 4 philips screws from the rear side walls, I would think you spread the side walls, from the rear where the screws were removed, to loosen the top. I have tried, very gently, but they did not budge. I did not want to use excessive force. Nuforce has not answered my emails, as I suppose they do not want me in there. I would appreciate any response. BTW, as I have said before, this amp does so much right, musically, that although some amps might be better in 1 or 2 ways ( through a particular set of speakers, due to efficiency / impedance ), this little amp is quite the beast. I have owned AR, Krell, CJ, Threshold, Bedini, Ampzilla, you name it. Amp sounds best on a non resonant shelf, being left on continuously with signal playing through it ( a few hundred hours ), an after market power cord, and a 1-2 lb weight on the top center ( I use a thinking man statue over a padded piece of 4 in. X 4 in. piece of granite. Enjoy ! and Happy Holidays. MrD.