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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
 
While I have not A/B'd the "new" hi-tech "class-d" designs with any other amps,this discussion is becoming a bit silly.
The audiophile attitudes toward one's own particular set of "what one likes" should not overcome the "obvious",which is 1...Progress(like I stated earlier,this will not even be a discussion in the not distant future).#2...the fact that there is a growing contingent of music lovers who hear enough of Class-d's virtues to invest in them(they cannot be all deaf).3#...the arguement of the tube afficionados(of which I am one,btw)remains consistent,regardless of technological or performance improvements.#4...With the HUGE advantage of LOW heat(actually almost none),low cost,and small size one has to be really foolish to believe that a "matured" Class-d design(sounding great,by any standard)is far away.
As to obsolescence.....PLEEEEEASE!!!By the time a really good Class-d design is ready to get "dumped" by a particular owner(unless one is on the non stop merry-go round)what do you think the price of GOOD NOS TUBES will cost??Sort of makes up for the costs of new amps,almost!Based on the going trends!
BTW,I have no interest in buying anything,in the near future,but like to think I am open minded,and still have some pride in my current hearing!
My Tube loving friends have been almost militant about any other design formats.To my way of thinking it is their loss.
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
Sorry!Forgot to mention that companies like Nuforce allow for "upgrading" to new technology for reasonable prices.You are not going to have to worry about obsolesence with this type of policy.
As stated earlier,I don't own a class-d amp,but why shouldn't I be open minded to a good thing?The systems I have heard,employing them sounded just fine!
Best
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Golden words Sirspeedy! Militancy of any denomination narrows our perception of reality, our ability to learn from one another, and ultimate to enjoy the fullness of life, including our hobby!
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I agree with Guidlcorona. Sirspeedy, that was a good one. My amps have been serviced, and upgraded twice since I bought them three years ago.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Colloms, my thoughts exactly. Having tried a small group of Class D amps, extended listening resulted in my dissatisfaction in several areas with all the amps. Of the group that I listened to, I owned the CI D200 amps the longest (several months) to get a pretty good grasp on their performance.

They did do some things well enough (but since I don't factor in weight, size, appearance or power consumption) in the end these amps did not do it for me either. I have moved on and not looked back.

I do believe; however, that there are several companies making these amps (which are quite inexpensive to mfg) due to the rather high margins, low cost of mfg., and current high demand for profitability purposes. I see no fault for doing this as it is what the public seems to want at the moment. And, this is the history of the industry.

I think to build these amps properly, to deliver acoustically, will prove to take more money than just the sum of ordering various off-the-shelf parts from parts distributors that achieve the high margins and immediate sales opportunities present today.

In the long run, fine Class D amps will be designed and built and available as an alternative. However, when this happens, all these cheap, mediocre D amps will be available for literally pennies (ie. $0.05 to $0.10 on the dollar). Some of these better Class D amps are finally starting to show up.

I would not rule the technology dead, but for me, I have not seen the light, the parting of the sea or the supreme acoustic deliverance that others are reporting.

The truth is the only person's opinion on equipment performance one should care about is their own (or perhaps other close family members that share in the listening).

I still own 2 class D amps. Paid $20 for each of them and they are fine for my patio/deck and my 11 year olds sons bedroom. I have come to my personal conclussion that the power supply is such an important aspect of good amp performance that it will take a lot of careful examination/audition/review to try another Class D amp.

I am suspect of the reviews, especially those in the rags like Stereophile where every product they review for the year ends up in their "Recommended Components".
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