digital Amp. Going green
I have CI D200 amps (five of them) which replaced CarverPro ZR1600 amps (three of them) in my multichannel system. The D200 amps are fine-sounding, and not too expensive. However, I don't think that they are significantly (if at all) better than the ZR1600s, which produce more power at half the cost. All this driving Maggie 1.6 speakers. Neither amp generates heat. . |
Check out Gilmore Audio. I have the stereo Raven amp (250 wpc into 4 ohms), which is overkill power-wise for my Druids, and costs $3500. If you need more power, the Raptor monos produce 500wpc for $5000. They are built like tanks, sound great (beat out Atmasphere and NuForce in my system - see review section for details), have bass control and punch in spades, and are 93dB efficient. http://www.glacieraudio.com/new%20Glacier%20Audio%20Site/Products%20folder/Gilmore/Gilmore-amps.htm |
Like Moe,I too still own a tube amplifier although it sees less and less time in my system. I've auditioned five other switching amplifiers and to my ears none of them offer the same presentation as the tubed amp. Nor can the tubed amp offer the attractive characteristics of the switchers. In my system the key to going green is the battery powered preamp. The class D's low current draw at idle is the only standby usage. Not until I power up a front end component does my AC usage increase and because of class D's efficiency even that draw is minimal. The convenience of simply powering the source component I find to be an incredible luxury. Vic |
What a dilemma, lots of conflicting opinions out there on gear and no way to hear any of them in Vancouver before I purchase. Then again I've bought all my gear that way and I have been very happy and probably very lucky. Any opinions about the halcro mc20 compared to the latest NuForce v9se 2. Remember, I have had a pair of Bel Canto EVo 200.2 and paired with the right tube Pre Amp they were very engaging. |
