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Class-D amps - a different re view

Martin Colloms, the editor of HiFi Critic (ad-free mag from the UK) have recently published the review of several different Class-D amps, together with an in depth technical analysys and measurments.

His conclusions were not favourable, to say at least:

"I regret that not a single model merits unqualified recommendation. Price is not the issue; the poor listening tests speak for themselves. (...)
At present we have to take the prudent view that good sound might be possible from switching amps, but we haven't heard it yet."

BelCanto REF1000 (ICEpower) - score 10.5 pooints
"The ICE power module used has a dependable reputation, and the design is well built and finished as a whole. While I would not suggest that you shouldn't try this amp, on sound quality grounds alone I cannot recommend it for audiophile use."

Channel Islands D100 (UcD) - score 13 pooints
"While I have reservations about a number of aspects of sound quality, and advise personal audition, given the solid lab results (...) the overall performance and the moderate price, these CA Audio monos do make it to the 'worth considering' cathegory."

NuForce 8.5V2 (proprietary technology) - score 9 pooints
"Yes, the price is good for the power output. Yes it's pretty, light, small and runs cool. However, the sound quality simply does not justify recommendation." (on top of that the NuForce amp measured very poorly - Elb)

Pro-Ject Amp Box (Flying Mole) - score 5 points
"I'm sorry to say that Project (...) was a real disappointment in the listening tests, and can't be recommended."

Just as a point of reference, recently reviewed Krell 700CX scored 100 points, CJ Premier 350 - 110 points and ARC Ref 110 - 135 points.

At least someone have had the balls to say it. This is why HiFi Critic is THE mag to subscribe.
128x128elberoth2
dob
577 posts
 
Martin Colloms is absolutely right - he did extensive listening and extensive measurements. Note that with exception of Spectron no other class D manufacturer disclose its full specs - and it should tell a lot!!!!

Entire panel of TAS reviewers come to the same conclusions in Nov 2006 issue 166 of TAS

Its is obvious that all owners of class D amplifiers would reject his/their conclusion because to accept it is to acknowledge that they did "poor" choice.

None less, people who auditioned Kharma monoblocks ($29k/pr) are very happy with their performance.

Spectron Musician III (one of the amps reviewed in TAS issue 166) received, this month, TAS Editor Choice Award without a single caveat.

As far as I know, three rave reviews (one in TAS) are coming to describe its Signature Edition.

There are superb designers in this world who produce...superb products.

NuForce, when does not need to drive difficult load which it can't, doing admirable job too.

I heard that Jeff Rowland $14k class D amp is also excellent.

So, its not all lost... ;--)
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
I wonder what Mr. Colloms will say about the Halcro next. I have a chance to audition the entry level Hacro Mc20/ Rogue 99 pre-amp/ Esoteric CDP with my LFT ET8b at the local hi-end dealer and I cannot believe what I am hearing. Ten years of loving for Martin Logan and Krell has been replaced by what I hear. I ended up with a pair of ET8b. The Halcro is next on the list.
getheleadout
144 posts
 
It seems like one of main points of this review is, that it was done by a reviewer who doesn't except any advertising.

Well is that same vane, I suggest another reviewer "10 Audio", who also doesn't appear to accept any advertising.

They found an ICE based switching amp to have performed quite good, beating out the majority of other designs in price to power ratio. Not to mention size, heat, weight and power consumption.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
this isn't unlike the backlash that many companies took when tubed gear was displaced by ss designs...the more things change,the more they.....
bbro
191 posts
 
Addition to my above post:

Take a look at mjfvashon and Platos comments above. The Bel Cantos in mjfvashons rig and the NuForce in Platos both let their superb front ends ie Bel Canto DAC-3 and 6Sn7 based pre respectively shine through. I drive my Spectron Musician III with either a deHavilland Ultraverve octal based pre using 6SN7s with a 5AW4 rectifier or a highly modified 6922 based pre both with superb results. Maybe in our systems it is the synergy or resultant open window on our pre that makes our systems work so well. FYI I am using a BelCanto DAC-2 with various transports for source.
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