Confused by ICE applications


I've started to get interested in the switch-mode power supplies, but I'm confused by how the various amplifier makers use them. My current investigation is into the B&O ICE modules and Jeff Rowland amps.

From what I can see on the ICE web page, they only sell complete amplifier modules. If that's so, what does JRDG (or Bel Canto) do with them? I'd thought that ICE would supply the power supply and the output stage was then up to the end user...
128x128macdonj
Damping factor is not a ICEPower characteristic per se. There's been a lot of discussion of DF in other threads. DF is only one of a series of things to consider when matching a speaker and amp and maximizing the amp's ability to control the speaker's drivers. Some speakers need a lot of damping and others do not.

He's not going to tell you exactly what he does, but Rowland does a lot of things beside add Power Factor Correction to his latest amps (Continuum 500 and 312). He does enough that representatives from B&O have a hard time recognizing their ICEPower units. What matters is how well it works. Listen and hear for yourself.

Dave
Dcstep - My Rowland model 102 has two 200ASC modules inside (identical to picture in datasheet of 200ASC) and nothing else - just case. It is pretty much the same amp as Bel Canto S300 with different case. There might be some tweeking involved.
He's done a lot more with the 312 and Continuum, I'm told, but I haven't looked inside myself.

Dave
312 is expensive while 102 is cheap (same price as Bel Canto but better finish). Rowland's cases/finishing is beyond believe.
Yeah, the 102, 201, 501 and Capri are out of a single billet of aluminum, with all the attaching points machinced in to .003" tolerance. They're incredible. The face plates on the 312 and Continuum are single billets, the sides and backs are billet also, but "only" about 1/4" thick. Rowland was the first with this and now others are copying, even using the same supplier that he pioneered with.

Dave