Are ICEpower amps really that good?

To Hack: Hi, so in your opinion the ICEpower based amps are seriously compromised? What is according to you the most striking about the ICEpower based amp compared to a well designed conventional power amp? Is it the insufficient rendering of harmonic overtones (sterile sounding)? Does it have a "dry" sound, lacking "air"? Is it too bland, too dull or too harsh? Doesn't it have the proper micro- and macrodynamics? Doesn't it have enough PRaT? Personally I don't know what to do (a bit confused I think): if I'm seeking for the sound that is closest to the "master tape" sound, should I use the ICEpower amps, though they are seriously compromised or should I use the Accuphase, because it is a more evolved design (solid state pure class A)?

Thanks for the clarification, Muralman1. Sorry for my mis-read.

Hack, when you listened to the various ICEPower amps, did you try them with improved (eg. thicker gauge) power cords or any power conditioning? In my experience with the ICEPower amps from Bel Canto and NuForce (as well as some home-made amps based on ICEPower), all were significantly improved when using thicker gauge power cords instead of the stock power cord as well as power conditioning...far more than I've experienced with other power amps.

(disclaimer: I'm a Bel Canto dealer).

Hello again,

I didn't mean to stir up so much controversy, just commenting on my experiences to date. I wouldn't go so far as to say ICE amps are compromised but I do feel they have a ways to go before they reach a level of performance most 'philes will find palatable. This isn't a surprise given the relatively short amount of time these products have been on the market. What's missing to my ears? To answer Dazzdax's questions; I found the ICE products to provide a very consistent tonal quality across the board, so to keep the response short let's characterize the sound as lacking harmonic structure and offering very litte PRAT. This characteristic seemed to be "universal" in all the ICE based amplifiers I've heard (so far) and led me to believe that the new designs would benefit from much beefier power supplies. Philnyc alludes to noticable improvments by paying close attention to power conditioning and aftermarket power cords, this in part confirms my suspicions that the ICE products could use some more power supply refinements. I noticed Nu-Force came out with a new Reference amplifer (reviewed on 6moons.com)that uses 30 capacitors! Evidently Nu-Force is still tweaking the design since there are reported quality issues after a short burn in time.

Which amps should you use in your system, the ICE-based stuff or the Accuphase? Let your ears decide. Happy listening, Jeff

Hack, I wouldn't trade my monos for any amp you may name, at any price. Srajan of 6 Moons is accurate in his assessment.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/h2o/m250.html.