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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.
128x128elberoth2
getheleadout
144 posts
 
What seems to be constantly overlooked here is the Idea that most digital switching amps sound the same and have the same drive capabilities. This is simply not true.

This is as true as saying all SS amps sound and drive the same all tube amps sound and drive the same.

I think it's just a convenient way for people who obviously don't like switching amps to lob them into one category.

ALL SWITHCHING AMPS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I agree with Getheleadout, and will add one more thing.

All switching amp SYSTEMS are not created equal.
dazzdax
599 posts
 
I have had a Mark Levinson 333 once that I replaced with an Accuphase A-50V (a well known class A poweramp). The Accuphase was better and more musical than the ML. In 2005 I decided to buy these Acoustic Reality amps with the ICEpower ASP1000 modules (factory direct, so no audition prior to purchase). After extended break in I preferred the sound of the AR amps and sold the Accuphase! A Swedish fellow audiophile bought the Accuphase and is very happy with it. I'm still using the ICEpower amps (now in an upgraded version) and am awaiting a pair of Soundlab A-1 to arrive.
You can regard this ICEpower amp as sh*t. If this is really sh*t then my hearing is shitty too and I don't deserve those A-1's. I would say you should trust Martin Colloms' golden ears, because those are the most audiophile ears on this planet!

Chris
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Right on Dazzdax!

I added a pic of the H2O power supply to my system layout. Check it out. It illustrates not being merely a module in a box great class D amps are much more.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Power from the wall theory?

My experience with upgrading my VAC was a night and day difference with my first class D a PS Audio HCA-2's sonic abilities. I can't say if it was the increase in amperage, the dedicated circuit, the larger gauge conductor, or the metal clad shielding, since all these changes were completed at the same time. But the difference was dramatic.

In the case of the HCA-2 it can be powered by 110 or 220VAC. While I'm not an electrical engineer, common sense tells me that if a devise can handle a 20 amp 220 circuit then giving it 20 amps @ 110 should make a slight difference especially when the receptacle is a long distance from the breaker. But then again what do I know.

Vic
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