I have been using tubes for years in both triode and ultra linear modes. I recently bought two Starcrimson monoblock amps from Leo at Orchard Audio who designed and built these tiny gems. I gave up my beloved warm tube sound for sound as clear as glass. I though I would miss that warmth, but I quickly came to love the utter transparency.
Class D for a Tube Lover
First, I'm sure this has been asked many times but searching the subject wasn't too helpful to me.
So apologies in advance.
I enjoy tubed electronics and class A amps, which tend to be a bit warm. My current Cary 805s warm my small (12x16) music room even in the cool/cold of winter. I've got other amps that don't produce much heat, but am looking for something that produces no heat. Living in a home with no central AC the room gets uncomfortably hot during the summer months.
So...I'd like to try some Class D amps. Stereo or mono is just fine. And my speakers aren't difficult to drive so I don't need a thousand watts. But if that thousand watt amp sounds great, I'm not adverse to that, either.
I'd like to keep the price under 2k used.
Please help.
Thanks.
So apologies in advance.
I enjoy tubed electronics and class A amps, which tend to be a bit warm. My current Cary 805s warm my small (12x16) music room even in the cool/cold of winter. I've got other amps that don't produce much heat, but am looking for something that produces no heat. Living in a home with no central AC the room gets uncomfortably hot during the summer months.
So...I'd like to try some Class D amps. Stereo or mono is just fine. And my speakers aren't difficult to drive so I don't need a thousand watts. But if that thousand watt amp sounds great, I'm not adverse to that, either.
I'd like to keep the price under 2k used.
Please help.
Thanks.
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- 125 posts total
Out of curiosity, and after reading some very favorable reviews, I purchased a NewClear NC1000L. I was interested in seeing just how Class D sounds. Bottom line, this is an incredible amplifier, period. Beautiful tonality, unbelievable dynamics, and if you’re a soundstage freak, like me, a huge soundstage. I’ll let you read the reviews, but IMO, this is a wonderful amplifier that I love, and I’m keeping it! My highest recommendation! Definitely check this one out. Links below. http://www.newclearaudio.com https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-newclear-nc1000/ https://theaudiophileman.com/newclear/ https://positive-feedback.com/Issue71/newclear_1000.htm |
FYI, The NewClear uses stock Icepower ASP1000 modules. These are older technology (at least 15 years old). The newer Icepower IceEdge 1200 modules are the newest and also better sounding. This is what PS Audio is using in their 1200 monos ($6K for the pair). However, you can buy a dual mono stereo amp from Rouge Audio Design in Italy (model: Studio N-10DM) delivered to the US for $1550.....They use these newer IceEdge modules too. Have me do some mods to them and you have a serious amp for a little over $2K. https://en.rougeaudiodesign.com/studio-n-10 Legacy Audio sells these same stock IceEdge modules as a dual mono stereo amp for $4350. $1550 looks a little more attractive to me. |
audiodwebe You bought what you wanted and that is great. Class D has made great advances in the last couple of years and GaN output devices has made the greatest impact. If your looking for great sound vs good it will cost more money i know i have been on the class D merry go round for over a decade and i have finally found a class D amp worthy of sitting next to my class A and SET amps. My advice is to enjoy what you just bought and save for a good GaN class D amp. |
Near the bottom you can see a photo of "Bruno Putzeys with circular NC400 board tethered to SMPS600 supply". Now that's a nice amp that's still available. |
- 125 posts total