Class D amps?

I thought my Bel Canto REF1000s were the best bang for the buck. They were upgradeable from MkI to MkII specs which really really brought out the best of the sound.

I've since upgraded from the REF1000Ms to a pair of Electrocompaniet Nemos but I can tell you, the incremental improvement isn't a lot more than the difference in price tag would suggest.

I did find they could sound a bit lean and the depth of the soundstage wasn't as deep compared to more expensive amps but you could improve that with a good tube preamp. I have had great success pairing the Bel Cantos with Ayon CD5S (tube pre, CDP and DAC in one box) as well as an ARC Reference 5 (then 5SE).

Here are some from "Arion Audio" is a USA based company producing class D amplifiers.

The line includes 250 watt (8 ohms) mono amplifiers, 500 watt (8 ohms) mono amplifiers and soon to be released tube / class-D hybrid 500 watt mono amplifiers.

Arion Audio is a sister company to Analysis Audio and together we strive to make the best possible audio equipment available for your music enjoyment.
Our first offering is the very musical MK 1000.

MK 1000 Amplifier Specifications:

Rated Power @ 8 Ohms : 500 Watts
Rated Power @ 4 Ohms : 1000 Watts
Sensitivity : 3.5 Vrms
Gain : 25dB
THD+N < 0.03%, 0.1W to Rated Power, 10Hz – 20KHz
Signal to Noise Ratio : 116 dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz +/- 0.5dB
Bandwidth : 5Hz – 70KHz
Input Impedance : 10 K Ohms
Damping Factor : 900 Ref @ 8 Ohms Nominal
Maximum Output Current : 35 Amps
Dimensions : 9.75 in W x 4.75 in H x 14 in D
Weight: 20 Lbs

Arion Audio MK 1000 Features:

Over Current Protection
Clip Indicating LED
JPS Labs Hookup Wire
Proprietary Hookup Wire at Inputs
Cardas Gold Over Solid Copper 5 Way Binding Posts
Gold Over Solid Copper RCA and XLR Inputs
Machined Billet Aluminum Case (0.25 Inch thick 6061-T6)
Machined Billet Aluminum Faceplate (0.375 Inch thick 6061-T6)
High Quality Fasteners Used Throughout.
Amplifier Can Be Placed in The Vertical Position for a Very Small Footprint.

Arion Audio
Mountainside, NJ
908-233-0988
mike@ArionAudio.com

Seadog1,

The TBI Millenia MG3 is 35 wpc and is designed for speakers that are easy to drive. The guys over on Audio Circle are raving about it and the cost is only $500.00.

I am not associated in any way to the product but when I get my new speakers I am going to give it a try.

Not an issue. They play nice with all types. Watts are just one aspect and not the end all. There is a misconception that you can have too much watts. The overall measurements on the Veritas NC1200 is about (some are the best) the best you can get.Go to Merrillaudio.net and call Merrill and discuss any concerns or tech questions you have. Merrill is very conservative and will be very upfront with you if there is anything to be concerned about.
Let me know after you have a chance to talk to him.

I LIKE my "antique" Roland 201s, damnitt. Screw you clowns for getting me all fasciated and obsessive on this latest hypex ncore whizz-bang. Cheaper than the IWC watch I decided I "needed" last week (albeit not by much), though, I'll grant you that. If I can just keep myself distracted by constantly new stuff before giving myself the chance to rationalize pulling the trigger on something I'd have trouble explaining when the Lady gets home from China next weekend. Only one more week to go, willpower fading....first world problems are so hard, no?