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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
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Warren, I'm guessing your friend with the electronics background is more than likely correct. I highly recommend you invest a few dollars in a dedicated VAC shielded 20 amp circuit to your audio system. The sonic improvements can be very noticeable regardless of your amplifier choice.

Any future auditioning of class D products should be done after upgrading your VAC, a long run in of the components, using a shielded power cable, and speaker cable suggestions by either the manufacture or by users who have similar amplifier / speaker configurations. These are some simple generalities that can provide a starting point for integrating class D into a system.

Regardless of your efforts in integrating a class D amplifier into your system you may simply not care for the obvious difference in their general presentation. From your description I'll go out on a limb and say, I don't believe you heard the bel Canto's full potential. If your looking for a "tube like" presentation, buy a tube amplifier there are some terrific and affordable choices out there.

Take Care
Vic
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Warrensomebody...That "power from the wall" theory does not make sense to me. Say what you like about the way they sound, but digital amps make very low demand on input power. They are typically 85 percent efficient in converting wall power to audio power, whereas the typical SS amp runs 30 to 40 percent. Don't ask about tube amps!
getheleadout
144 posts
 
What seems to be constantly overlooked here is the Idea that most digital switching amps sound the same and have the same drive capabilities. This is simply not true.

This is as true as saying all SS amps sound and drive the same all tube amps sound and drive the same.

I think it's just a convenient way for people who obviously don't like switching amps to lob them into one category.

ALL SWITHCHING AMPS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I agree with Getheleadout, and will add one more thing.

All switching amp SYSTEMS are not created equal.
dazzdax
599 posts
 
I have had a Mark Levinson 333 once that I replaced with an Accuphase A-50V (a well known class A poweramp). The Accuphase was better and more musical than the ML. In 2005 I decided to buy these Acoustic Reality amps with the ICEpower ASP1000 modules (factory direct, so no audition prior to purchase). After extended break in I preferred the sound of the AR amps and sold the Accuphase! A Swedish fellow audiophile bought the Accuphase and is very happy with it. I'm still using the ICEpower amps (now in an upgraded version) and am awaiting a pair of Soundlab A-1 to arrive.
You can regard this ICEpower amp as sh*t. If this is really sh*t then my hearing is shitty too and I don't deserve those A-1's. I would say you should trust Martin Colloms' golden ears, because those are the most audiophile ears on this planet!

Chris
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