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Digital amp beat them all? Audio Physic Strada .

The german magazine Stereoplay has(in its June issue) a review of the new Audio Physic Strada monoblocks.
Like most german audio magazines this has also a preferance for ranking products in a hierarcic manner.
Interestinly, the new monoblocks from Audio Physic gets
60 point (on a scale that end with 63 points), while the
mag´s former reference Krell FPB 650 M gets 59 p.
For your knowledge;Electrocompaniet Nemo gets 58 p, the same as Pass X-350.
Althought the fact that I am sceptical about ranking systems
in Audio,I find it remarkable that a digital amp allready
can compete with some of (what is regarded) as "top-flight"
amps!
The Strada monoblocks has a switched powersupply and some
innovative curcuitry,e.g. it seems to be handling signals
of low amplitude in analog way, and switches over to digital mode for higher amplitudes in some form of bridge
output section. Sorry, my understanding of technical german
isn´t splendid.
They deliver 255 W/each in 8 Ohms, and costs about 15000 Euro a pair.
What do you think? Are digital amps taking over the scene
in the years to come, or will there be a "resistance movement" corresponding to that of CD-anlog?
dinos
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I too hope it evolves to a point where we all may benefit.

I confess frustration at the small amount of progress for the twenty years plus that has been devoted to perfecting music reproduction via CD.

Watch just one evening of Discovery Channel see the progress in the machinery for war and wonder how the vinyl LP can still take on all formats. I guess I had hoped for more.
unsound
7,367 posts
 
Albert, am I correct in my assumption, that you are dissapointed so far by digital amplification? If so, could you elaborate? What needs to be improved upon? I'm very sure that I am not alone in respecting your opinion.
albertporter's avatar
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Not digital amplification, as I have not auditioned it in a situation where my opinion is valid.

My disappointment with digital is that it shares some faults with the modern computer.

Performance, chip sets, formats and even software seem to get "stuck" at a particular quality level with no way to upgrade without discarding the entire (old) system.

By comparison, LP's manufactured forty or fifty years ago still work in today's systems and every audiophile upgrade will continue to improve the sound of that old master.

I put so much time attempting to make digital (CD) work, that it is a sore spot for me. I'm not accustomed to putting in so much hard work only to fail.
unsound
7,367 posts
 
On many levels I agree with you. I think you will agree that records made 50 years ago might be challanged by a new CD. CD's are now almost 30 years old now. A 30 year old CD is still viable ( vile ?). CD has been a disapointment, considering the promise ( hyperbole? ) Despite all the technological draw backs of LP's, on sheer sound quality it may very well be the best available source. When conviences such as recording (when not perverted by the powers that be),mobility and reduced maintance are put into the equation (never mind my pet hopes of room correction,crossovers and amplification) CD does gain quite a bit of ground. Thank you for contribution. Hope you can share your thoughts about other digital technology in the near future.
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