2. amps-preamps
  3. 1251500253

Power Amp..opinions please

Hi All,
I am looking for a power amp (mono or stereo) to go with my Promitheus Reference C-Core TVC. Till some time back I was leaning towards the Wyred 4 Sound's SX-1000 monos. But as I read the net, I found people mentioning that the initial impressions of class D are detailed sound, neutrality, "true to original" etc. 10audio also has a great review about the wyred4Sound amp. At one point I was considering the RWA Sig 30.2 amps, as 6moons had a glowing review for these. Later I decided that they will not be enough for my average efficiency speakers.
Now I also read from others threads that as time goes by Class D becomes boring, no tone, etc, etc. I am a bit confused now and cannot decide which way to go. There is no dealer nearby that I can go to and listen to a Class D. So I also started to look at used Bryston, Parasound, Pass, McIntosh, Ayre, etc.
Can you please provide your experiences with Class D VS Class AB amps? Please do not suggest tubes. I would be using the amps with a Marantz SA-8260 CD player, Promitheus TVC and Quad 21L speakers. The cabling is Signal Cable through out. Currently using the NAD C352 integrated amp as power amp, but want to explore and experience a bit more high-end sound. A constructive thread with opinions (rather than mine is better than yours) will be highly appreciated and valuable to the forum.
Thanks much in advance.
128x128milpai

Showing 3 responses by guidocorona

guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
"Now I also read from others threads that as time goes by Class D becomes boring, no tone, etc, etc. I am a bit confused now and cannot decide which way. . ."

Fear not, class D amps are just like amps of any other class. . . some are great and some are not. I use a spectacularly good Rowland 312 stereo amp, which is coincidentally class D. I chose it because I preferred it over all other amps I listened to, regardless of class of operation. W4S are good amps. . . in class D you can also look at the excellent Bel canto Ref 1000 Mk.2. See my Positive Feedback article at:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/bel_canto_ref1000.htm
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Milpai, I was not suggesting a new Bel Canto Ref 1000 Mk.2 at $6K. . . rather, there are a couple of Mk.1s on Audiogon for approximately $2K. Given the times, you might be able to negotiate the final price down a few $$s. The original Mk.1 has most of the sonic characteristics of the Mk.2. . . and some people prefer Mk.1 over Mk.2.. Guido
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Just to clarify, Bel Canto class D Ref series contain analog ICEpower modules. Ref 500 is based on the 500ASP module; Ref 1000 Mk.1 and Mk.2 have been designed around the 1000ASP module.
I have most experience with Ref 1000 Mk.2. . . Ran it for 4 months before completeing my PFO review. there is nothing sterile nor congested about this amp. Rumour has it that Ref 500 may be even sweeter. Regretably, these devices -- even used -- tend to exceed the target budget for this thread. G.
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