Classdaudio vs Channel Islands amps

Izora..I got an email today from Tom at Class D Audio regarding to know the input impedance of the SDS 470 which is 45Kohms, and the gain, which is adjustable on the back for each channel which can be set up to 34db's which makes it easier to match with Preamp's that have a high or low voltage output. Looking at the pics on the Class D Audio site of the SDS-470 kit, I'm impressed that it
includes a toroidal transformer, and a power board that has six large capacitors. I'm amazed that in the assembled version it sells for $700.00, which has enough under the hood to sell for $2K to $3K from other companies. Tom mentioned he makes very little profit and his sales are very strong in Europe.

Izora, see below for a response I posted in July regarding this subject. It's not about the same model you're considering, but it's from the Class D Audio family. My suggestion ... just go ahead and get one in for a no cost audition. If it meets your approval, keep it ... if not go on to the next amp.

One of the great things about this hobby is that it's part of a cottage industry. I've spoken with Dusty, Tom of Class D Audio, and Tommy O at Digital Amp Co. My personal experience is that talking to manufacturers either on the phone or in person at audio shows is of little value. They all feel they have a product that belongs in your home and in your system. In the final analysis, only you can make that call.

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I tried the SDS-254 and it was natural sounding and compared well with other Class D designs that I auditioned. Sound-wise it was tilted up on the low end a bit. All together I had the following in my system: Nuforce, Bel Canto, Wyred4sound, Channel Island, and Class D Audio.

To my ears, and in my system, the Nuforce bettered the Channel Islands but only slightly ... and at more than twice the cost ($2,400 vs $5,000). I am currently running CI Audio D-200's. The Class D offering was a close third. Unlike a few others, I was not very impressed with either Bel Canto or W4S. Both are ICE module based and were very detailed and clear ("Everything being right with no soul"). They were bought used and sold for about the same amount.

Finally, you can get the Class D direct from the mfg and audition in-home for at least a month. He's a good guy to deal with as well; and in terms price/performance ... you can't go wrong. Just my 2 cents.
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So according to your experience, you put the Channel Islands amp ahead of the Class D Audio one... very interesting.

Audiozen,
I'm thinking about buying an assembled version since I've never made anything. Tom said it's pretty simple to put together, but I'll probably still have a hard time. The assembled ones are still a great value.

Stratahead,
I was also interested in the Digital Amp Co. cherry amps, but they are more expensive than other class D amps. Have you heard these amps? These would have to sound at least 4 to 5 times better (to my ears) than the Class D Audio amps to justify the higher price.