verdict on class D amps?

I agree with those who say you need to try it for yourself.

I've listened to a lot of Class D amplifiers, and so far, none has ever come close to having me consider a move out of a tube amplifier. To this point, the only two that I have appreciated are the Spectron and Veloce. I've not heard the H20, but would like to. Certainly, if I picked up a pair of Apogee loudspeakers, I'd seriously investigate the H20.

My biggest problems with the lion's share of Class D amplifiers are analogous to the two problems I have with CD. First, while there may be the initial impact of the note in the low frequency, there is simply nothing (or, almost nothing) behind it, leaving the foundation of the music lacking the proper fullness, warmth, and weight. Second, there is something I perceive through the rest of the musical spectrum that for whatever reason, does not allow me to fully relax and immerse myself into the experience. With CD, I've narrowed it down to the music being "chopped up" into not a fine enough material so that the comparison with the way analog flows like water is stark. I have not spent enough time with digital amplifiers yet (the longest I lived with one was 3 weeks) to fully put my finger on it, but there is an inherent lack of emotion in the sound. I don't want to call it coldness per se, as it's not completely that, but producing the flesh and blood of music, is something they so far, miss.

DISCLAIMER: The manufacturers of Veloces are very close friends of mine, so take my opinion with the appropriate grain of salt.

What most have found using these very revealing amps is what you put into them you will get out. Power and power cords also come into play along with isolation. But the main determination of sound from class D amps is the source components. IMO

I am big on vinyl so 100 percent of time for serious listening sessions its lps. Throw in my tubed preamp and those Nuforce class D amps are a non issue for sound production for me. Fast, powerful, revealing, sweet.

This could be a good reason for my having absolutely no trouble enjoying hours on end of some of the best sound these ears have had the pleasure to hear, fatigue free.

Like i have posted many times before the amount of gear available to us today is beyond the ability to try it all. If you audition class D amps and they mate to your system great if not move in another direction.

The most important thing is enjoy your favorite music as often as possible.

I also like the Hypex UDC module better than ICE. I have five CI D200 amps in my multichannel system.

However, before I bought the monoblock CT amps I used three CarverPro ZR1600 stereo amps which are based on the TriPath module. IMHO, the ZR1600 amp sounds every bit as good as the CI D200, and the D 200 is well regarded in audiophile circles. (At the moment the ZR1600 amps are powering the six drivers of my three custom subwoofers).

But the real point is that the three ZR1600 amps (6 times 600 watts) cost me the same price as my first two D 200 amps (2 times 350 watts). Today I see they go for about a grand each.

If anyone would like to sample a digital amp the ZR1600 is a good place to start.

I auditioned the SeymourAV amps for a while, comparing them to a Mark Levinson ML-9. In the end, I returned the SeymourAV amps and ended up with a Spectron.

it was a difficult decision, but it came down to a very subtle high frequency veil that was present on the SeymourAV. Actually, my friend felt it was very obvious and not subtle at all, but I think he's just picky and overstating the problem, which seems to be a common thing amongst audiophiles :)

I've had several people tell me that this veil is a common problem with all ICE module amps, although I've also one person state that wasn't the case.

Regardless, the SeymourAV amps are the only ICE-based amps I'd consider, simply due to the aesthetics and cost issues (I'm assuming they all sound pretty similar, which may or may not be the case). I find the Wyred amps to be "aesthetically challenged", to put it nicely, and the SeymourAV also has a 10 year warranty, which beats any ICE amps I've seen so far. The cost is also towards the low-end of the ICE amps (I think some are more than twice the cost).

In the end, it really depends on what you prefer. Everyone seems to have different interpretations of what they hear.

Btw, I really wish people would stop calling these "digital" amps. Please do some research, because they are NOT DIGITAL! Continuing to call them that, while also dismissing them only weakens your argument. No offense intended.

Careful circuit design & quality parts will always produce a better sounding amp and this applies to both digital & analog amps. Some cheaply manufactured digital amps are a good choice for subwoofer duty since they deliver more power for less money, very efficient, and produce very little heat. But never dismiss them as an excellent candidate for a high-end-rig. There are some digital amps out there that are manufactured to the highest industry standards and produce amazing results, must be heard to be believed!

Sorry Nospam, I have used the term digital to keep in line with familiar words.