Class-D amps - a different re view


Martin Colloms, the editor of HiFi Critic (ad-free mag from the UK) have recently published the review of several different Class-D amps, together with an in depth technical analysys and measurments.

His conclusions were not favourable, to say at least:

"I regret that not a single model merits unqualified recommendation. Price is not the issue; the poor listening tests speak for themselves. (...)
At present we have to take the prudent view that good sound might be possible from switching amps, but we haven't heard it yet."

BelCanto REF1000 (ICEpower) - score 10.5 pooints
"The ICE power module used has a dependable reputation, and the design is well built and finished as a whole. While I would not suggest that you shouldn't try this amp, on sound quality grounds alone I cannot recommend it for audiophile use."

Channel Islands D100 (UcD) - score 13 pooints
"While I have reservations about a number of aspects of sound quality, and advise personal audition, given the solid lab results (...) the overall performance and the moderate price, these CA Audio monos do make it to the 'worth considering' cathegory."

NuForce 8.5V2 (proprietary technology) - score 9 pooints
"Yes, the price is good for the power output. Yes it's pretty, light, small and runs cool. However, the sound quality simply does not justify recommendation." (on top of that the NuForce amp measured very poorly - Elb)

Pro-Ject Amp Box (Flying Mole) - score 5 points
"I'm sorry to say that Project (...) was a real disappointment in the listening tests, and can't be recommended."

Just as a point of reference, recently reviewed Krell 700CX scored 100 points, CJ Premier 350 - 110 points and ARC Ref 110 - 135 points.

At least someone have had the balls to say it. This is why HiFi Critic is THE mag to subscribe.
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Showing 2 responses by mjfvashon

I've had a lot of different gear. I like to try different things and make up my own mind based on my experiences with that gear.
I currently own a pair of modified Bel Canto Reference 1000 amps. These amps are the best sounding amps I've ever had including my Odyssey Stratos Extreme mono's.
Associated equipment is a big part of the sound I'm getting but that's how it is in every system regardless of the gear or the money spent.
While I put some value in the reviews, I realize it comes down to what works for me. Bottom line is, if you don't like it or it doesn't work for you...then don't use it. Variety is the spice of life and that's what keeps our hobby interesting and fun.
What floats one guy's boat might just sink anothers.
Want to talk about balls??? I've worked hard to put together a system that delivers in a satisfying way and believe me...my system has great big balls headed up by the Bel Canto Reference 1000's.
My rig consists of:
Modified Bel Canto Reference 1000's
Bel Canto CD-2
Bel Canto DAC-3
PS Audio P1000 ac regenerator
Stealth Varidig Sextet balanced digital interconnect
Jena Labs Pathfinder XLR interconnects
Michael Wolff Bohica II power cords
Kimber PK-10 Palladian power cord
Jena Labs Valkrye Twin 15 speaker cables
Bybee Golden Goddess speaker bullets
Custom T6 MKIII speakers from Chapman Audio Systems

Class-D amps rock. That's my view!
Let's say you've got a hotrod with a high performance engine. Maybe this engine has an old school fuel delivery system. Maybe you'd like to update the fuel delivery system with some new technology. You cannot expect maximum performance by simply removing the old fuel system and installing the new one. You're going to have to put in some time and make some adjustments to the rest of the system to realize the fullest potential of the new technology. What those adjustments will be are going to be determined by the rest of the rig and of course your own personal needs and preferences.
Those of us that have switched to Class-D amps and have put in the time and made the adjustments to the rest of the system are being rewarded accordingly.
Like many others who have responded, my rig has never sounded better or performed more efficiently than it does now with the Class-D amps.
I've had a lot of different gear and regardless of how good any of that previous gear was, none of it has delivered the goods like the goods are being delivered now. I've experienced absolutely no downside whatsoever by making the change to Class-D...only positive.
These amps take up substantially less space, they use a lot less power (my power bill went down $14.00 a month simply by changing to these amps), and they put out virtually no heat.
At the same time they have over twice the power output of my previous room heaters, and they are more neutral, more dynamic with better detail, faster and they have more body. I'm sure I could list other attributes but you get the idea.
Regardless of the item or the topic, there will always be those that cannot or will not accept that something new or different could possibly be better. Is it going to be better for everybody...probably not. But that doesn't mean it can't be better for those willing to give it an adequate chance.
I for one could not be happier that I made the change and put forth the time and effort to optimize that change. I will not be switching back and I think as this technology becomes more refined we're going to see a lot of others making the switch as well.
This has really been an interesting and enjoyable thread and one that I am following closely. I'm glad to see so many responses and equally glad to see that I don't stand alone in the Class-D camp.
Keep it fun everybody and enjoy the music. I know I am!