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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
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
This conversation will be moot,in the not to distant future.
Also,with all due respect,why would a Hi Fi reviewer have any better ability to tell whether a product(of any type)is good,as compared to any other "music lover"?
In the sports world,or as a musician,one spends a great deal of time making themselves better than the average person,at their craft.I'd love to know how I can "pump up" my hearing,and improve it more-so than they already are.
Just a thought.
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
"Also,with all due respect,why would a Hi Fi reviewer have any better ability to tell whether a product(of any type)is good,as compared to any other "music lover"?"

IMO, a reviewer's value stems from his access and exposure to a variety of associated and competing products. That's why I'm always amazed when I read a review, and the reviewer admits he hasn't fully exploited this advantage.
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
As I understand it the real weakness with digital type amps is that they lack 3D image depth.
Of course many people do not seem to mind this but once you have a system which has excellent front to back depth there is no going back.

I have friends that have owned,used and built all sorts of digital amps and they say they have all suffered in this area compared to most tube amps and some of the better SS amps.

The latest Nuforce [V2?] amps do seem a lot better in this regard however.
denf
241 posts
 
OK, I'll enter the fray here and strongly agree with Zilla.

The NuForce 9.0SEv2's are absolutely incredible amps. I was a heard-core tube-o-phile, and have had more amps, over 30+ years of chasing the audio fantastic than I care to admit, but I can tell you straight out - these are a revelation in high end amplification.

Anyone who isn't willing to at least audition these is really missing out on a huge slice of audio nirvana at a real world price.
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
Hi Denf,
Is there any chance you were mismatching your tube amps and speakers. No disrespect, but I have a friend who continues to match low watt SETs with inefficient speakers.
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