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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
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Tony, if you do a great build of the NC400 you will be extremely happy with the sound you will get from NC400 for the money.

Good luck

PS Make sure you allow some time for break in. Also keep them on all the time except every three to four weeks turn them off for several hours then back on till the next time. Pull the power cord to do this if you do not have a main off switch.
nsirkin
40 posts
 
Hey Hifial, what is the reasoning behind the occasional power off?
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Nsirkin, this is for pretty much all amps, etc.

You want the caps (etc) to fully discharge and then fully recharge on a regular basses so they stay optimal. It will provide the best long term performance for all your equipment and the best possible sound.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I may sell my Wyred4Sound STI-500 integrated soon, for whoever is interested......
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