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Are ICEpower amps really that good?

Hi folks, it's getting a bit boring now, but I would like to hear your opinions about the following issue. I have the eAR ICEpower based amps (with the ASP1000 modules with built in SMPS). Some audiophiles and amp manufacturers believe they are just trash. In my opinion they are no slouch compared with the almost 8 times more expensive Accuphase A-50V stereo amp. In fact, I prefer the ICEpower amps above the Accuphase. Now I'm a bit in doubt (audiophiles are such weird creatures): are this sub $2k ICEpower amps really that good that they can compete with the $$$ Accuphase amp, or is it due to my own shortcoming (I might have some form of insidious and progressive hearing impairment) or is it just imagination? If the ICEpower amps are really that good, what's the point of buying $$$ amps? Btw, I have Dunlavy SC-V loudspeakers.

Chris
dazzdax
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
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.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
I don't think I have ever heard the ICE amps, but have definitely heard my share of digital amps. Most enjoyable of the bunch were the Channel Islands amps. They don't look like much and they are simply designed, but the sound was excellent. However, I would not classify the sound as analog like. It is actually hard to describe although it was pleasing to me. Rick at EVS is supposed to have some new amps that are outstanding as well.

Dazzdax - if you really want that analog sound from your amp you need to listen to the solid state TRL D-225 or ST-225 integrated. I have had the D-225 in my system for about 6 months now and it is trul amazing. I am now using it primarily with a passive preamp (although I am contemplating the TRL battery powered preamp) and it is amazing how much more analog the sound is versus my older tube set-up. These amps aren't much on looks, especially versus Accuphase, but they have the sound you desire. Cost wise, they are not in the same league as most of the ICE/digital amps, but they are an excellent value nontheless. You should give Paul Weitzel a call. Money back guarantee as well.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The Channel Island Audio amps are based on a module called "UcD" which is similar in concept to the "ICE" module but supposedly incorporates an improved topography which eliminates sensitivity of distortion to load impedance. I have five D200 amps in my multichannel system, and I am well satisfied with them. Like the H2O amp the CI Audio amps use a massive conventional power supply.

If you want to try a top of the line digital amp for less than a grand, and can do a DIY project, the UcD modules, and power supply modules and transformers are available from Hypex (www.hypex.nl).
phd
1,320 posts
 
I have to agree with Tvad, there is nothing warm sounding about the Nuforce amps.

Eldartford, you are very fortunate to own Channel Island amps which have a linear power supply. I prefer a linear power supply in my digital amps as opposed to switching.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Eldartford, are there any digital supply UCD amps out there? It seems to me almost all ICE amp builders are taking the cheap way out, sacrificing the best sound. I don't know anyone around here that has a UCD amp, only TacT and ICE.
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