Best ICE-powered amps ?

The above is a good example of why you shouldn't carry on a conversation with the wife in the other room while trying to post at the same time...

I meant to say the H2O Audio amplifiers offer a 30 day in home trial...

I would also encourage anyone whom is interested in this technology to audition more than one or two, as there can be great sonic differences.

I'm using the Ice H2O to drive my Maggie 3.6s with satisfying results. With a high damping factor, it controls the panels, particularly the bass very well. As with many digital amps, the clarity and detail is amazing. The H2O replaced a pair of Rogue M-120s in my system and I think that is great testament to the H2O product. I will say that the H2O did not quite have the body, weight and fullness that the Rogues did, but it was not enough of a difference to outweigh the benefits it provided. Delivers an engaging and liquid midrange, an extended but smooth top end, and a very taut and deep bottom, all with ease. I highly recommend a trial demo if you can swing it and hope you get a broken in model as the break-in period is annoyingly long. Good luck on any of your choices.

FrankPiet, it is worth remembering that the top of the line Rowland amps, the 302 stereo and 301 monoblocks are also ICE powered. You may want to look at them as well. The 302 used in particular may not be terribly more expensive than a pair of new Red Dragons.

I have the Bel Canto Ref1000's and I can say they are a step up from the Evo series run mono offering more transparency, authority and soudstage depth while being a little more laid back as well. They are a big step up from the Evo 200.2 mentioned above regardless of being run stereo or mono.

I have only heard the JRDG 501's once, and not in my system so take this with a grain of salt. I thought they sounded good, but they didn't blow me away, and the Bel Canto's are far cheaper.

About a year ago, I downsized my rig. I went from a Rowland 302 to H2O's Signature Mono 250 amps.

The H2O amps certainly are not as pretty as Rowland's eye candy. However, they absolutely are as musically satisfying (to my ears) as the JRDG 302 was.

I honestly cannot say that I took a sonic step backwards with this amp change.