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
hi muralman1 what panel speakers do you have ?

as i have said , i have heard several class d designs. my friend owns an expensive pair of piega speakers. i have heard them driven by a class d amp. i was not impressed.

class d is not the sound of classic tubes, or many set amps.

we all have our preferences. i prefer the vintage tube sound. many current production tube amps sound too sterile for me.
Mrtennis, I have Apogee Scintillas. Of all the systems in my area, mine sounds closest to a $150,000 SET system, with mine certainly leading in real size, and in everything else IMHO.

Like another SET owner told me, "You and I are climbing the same mountain. We are just taking different paths."

Are you into vintage tube amps, or vintage tubes?

My DAC is an Audio Note DAC. That is as much tubes as I want to fuss over. I see what my tube gear cohorts go through testing one vintage tube after another for every component. Egads! :)

My system is listed here.
high muralman:

i prefer the vintage tube sound. the conrad johnson mv 125 is my favorite amp. no class d amp will resemble the mv 125.

a class d amp will never sound like a vintage tube amp.
I suppose it would be blasphemy to bring up the Carver Conrad Johnson shootout of the 80s...