Opinions on Wyred 4 Sound ICE amps

Oscars review....from '08 points out the use of the ASC module, which I believe needs a powersupply. OR can be driven by the appropriate power rail on an ASP module.
'd' may lack upper range information on very low impedance loads where the Zobel begins to drop off the frequency response.

Also, at least from the visual standpoint, the W4S amp is the back panel DUPLICATE of my PSAudio GCC series. The so-called 'gain cell' input on the PSAudio? Who knows? It could be the zero-feedback FET input under a different name, or a fairly simple (but potted) opamp circuit? Unknown.

As for sound, my PSAudio drives my panels with ease. Very good dynamics and high overall loudness at the same time. Image/ space is severely impacted by speaker setup in my space. The (formerly) Big Box TV between the speakers made setup even more compromised and difficult....This is NOT the fault of the amp, which has alway performed to the limit of my setup...IMO.

Other than the fact that the maximum power output is severly time limited (see B&O datasheet) this amp delivers.
For HIGH DB listeners, I'd go with a pair of of the lower powered amps rather than the Kilowatt model. Doing a biamp with a pair of the 500 watt (4ohm) will both result in more extended highs at low impedance and longer hi power time limit.

Well, you forgot JRDG with (inbuilt) power factor correction. If separates, bought and used on side. Personally, i prefer the C-500 in case of sound and looks. W4S is maybe a better buy looking at expenses. If i should take a pick, i would still take the Continuum 500. Slightly smoother than W4S, still a little better resolution.
However i've heard W4S been working on a Ref series:-)

First, I know what Power Factor IS and how large scale PFC can help a large company with electric bill reduction. You get charged for watts but consume VA.... Unless your load is pure resistive, VA will alway be higher.

Now, and maybe YOU can explain, where is the PFC employed in the amp? In the power supply....that is on the plug end of the amp, OR at the speaker end where the same thing applies....a speaker which is ALWAYS a reactive load except at a certain frequency(s) can kill an amp with high phase angles.

I appreciate JRDG's advertising copywriter. He's pretty good.....
I'll go look this up and if a retraction is in order, I'll publish that, too.......

That has nothing to do with how JRDG amps sound. In testing you may prefer one of them over some of the ICE stuff or maybe even HYPEX or perhaps even Spectron.....

Have fun!

Just something to consider::

http://www.sonicdesign.se/amptest.htm

I have only read that all modules are fed from the PFC-1 (2 pcs 501 monoblocks and the internal Capri (pre)..
From what i were told, the PFC-1 uses incoming AC, pumps it up to 385v DC, further feeding the modules (Continuum 500 only).
There are more to this, which i do not know how to write in English sadly.
I understand it very well though, but to go on here writing i could not as i know not how to explain.
I have a friend who is well understood in audio-schematics and electrical in general.
He explained, but is no JRDG dealer or user.
There are advantages which obviously is known, even for W4S resellers (i've talked to one without mentioning name)
But doubt is always wise. It proves one wishes to understand. I still do not claim anything is equalizes a certain value/ asking price.
Most things are very much too high priced when it comes down to audio.
An example of this and has really nothing to do with this thread, but anyway!
I was at a demo yesterday. For a system, mainly a newly released loudspeaker.
Price, near double of my own. Better, no!
On the contrary!
If they've been, i had gladly admitted so and released a sneak preview.
This is weird (pricing) , but seems to work in audio out of some reason.
W4S is very good priced. Who could or can argue!?
I have owned them, and can say they might ask a bit more tweaking (which also cost) but it is very nice pieces and they are very nice people and stand fully behind their products.

I'm jumping a bit but again. The C-500 is substanitailly better looking than W4S units and has another feel and slightly different way of doing things (music).
I was actually told, you might need to jumps separates W4S to get closer to C-500.
Again, value (asking price) is subjective.
But i could easily bow head when the Ref series arrives from W4S. I think they could be a potential blast and fact is. Before the C-500 i was waiting for them.
So, the Ref has been postponed. I guess due to the dacs etc....

PFC? Still no answers. I suspect it is a solution in search of a problem. Again, what is corrected? amp power supply to plug? OR speaker to amp? /both are reactive loads. Make the speaker look like a resistor to the house current?

The problem remains that speaker designers will ship some wacky speaker with a 2.1 ohm minama at 65degrees. No problem there, right? HEH!

large companies, mainly manufacturing, can and will use PFC if the entire plant has a lower PF, say .9 or below. The reason? Power companies will bill you a surcharge for a low PF load. I'm talking 6 digit electric bills...in $.

As for ICE amps in all the flavors? I suspect they have more in common than stellar differences. The urge of any company searching for business is to come up with a 'unique selling point', made more difficult by using the SAME module as a dozen other manufacturers. So you change a few things. PS caps? Better connectors? Just so you can claim such a 'unique selling point'.

I'm going to T.H.E. Show in Newport in a few minutes and may have an opportunity to listen to many 'd' offerings. I expect most amp differences to be SWAMPED by speaker differences.

Audio Pricing is all about PERCEIVED value. Why else would the constant question be 'What is the best XXX for 2000$'? If they (new buyer) didn't think their was a direct coorelation between money and sound quality, why ask? This of course, isn't true, as a rule. You also hear stuff like 'product XXX competes against gear 3x its price'.