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NCore vs. Ice -- single or separate cases

Hey guys,

I've recently gotten a bug that I can't shake. I went to sleep thinking about it last night.

I want to try out a class D amp.

I've narrowed my choices down to something based on either the NCore NC400 or the IcePower 125asx2.

If I went the way of the NC400, I'll be building them myself. If I went the way of the Ice, I may build it myself or just buy the assembled units. Either way, the NC400 builds will run about twice that of the Ice builds.

Is there anyone out there that can comment on which is better? If the answer is that the NC400 is better, is it worth twice the price?

My next question is whether I should build the mono units into separate boxes or a single box? In other words, is it better to use a longer interconnect with a short speaker cable or vice versa?

Thanks.
tonyangel
tonyangel OP
309 posts
 
I've looked into it more closely and as it turns out, there isn't much difference in price between the Ice and NCore builds, when considered watt for watt.

It seems that the consensus is that the NCore edges out the best of the available Ice units. It figures that I come across information that I couldn't find before AFTER I start this thread.

To date, I have never owned a brand new amplifier. Maybe it's time to treat myself and get into something nice.

To keep initial costs down, I'm just gonna start with two amp modules and a single power supply and stick them on a piece of sheet aluminum to get comfortable with the electronics, then I'll dust off the old mill and lathe and bang out a real enclosure later.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I have owned several ICE amps, including the Bel Canto S500 which uses two of the 125asx2 modules. That was the cleanest sounding amp I have ever owned; the proverbial straight wire with gain. Kind of left me cold I guess as I sold it after less than a year. Actually the reason I sold it was to try the Ref1000 monoblocs which didn't thrill me at all.
I have not heard the NCores but have read quite a few glowing testimonials here at AudioCi.rcle Be advised though, some of these folks are a bit over the top on their praise, IMHO.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Tony, GET TWO power supplies and then add the build as you want.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Timrhu

The REF1000s were much older than the REF500S and have been upgraded to REF1000M specs.

I still find the REF500M to be the best choice in the Bel Canto line up. The newer 3rd gen modules are better than the ASP1000 modules in the REF1000/1000Ms.

I find them best partnered with my ARC Reference 5SE preamp.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Agree with you Doggie. Actually, should've stated I had one of the many clones of the Ref1000M.
I preferred the amps using the cheaper 200ASC modules to the 1000ASP versions. No accounting for taste.
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