Digital Amp's

Thanks Vince. I didn't mean to sound like I was putting words in your mouth. I was familiar with your power amp progression, however I am not certain others are. I think most don't realize the people buzzing about the H2o's have tried a good many amps out there... not just moving from a Yamaha receiver to a power amp... and singing the praises of the "flavor of the month" - time will prove where the H2o's stand. I am quite sure we already have a pretty good idea too. :)

Hope all is well with you and your family out west...

Muralman1...You mention the eAR amp. I have toyed with the idea, but now find that a similar product is available from Red Dragon audio, right here in the good old USA. It uses the latest 1000 watt ICE module, in a simple neat package. What do you know/think about it?

Eldartford,

Look at the H2O review at 6Moons. In it, Stajan compares the H2O Sig to the nicely packaged Jjaz. The 1000ASP has been popping up in, "High end" amps since it's introduction. They all share pretty much the same sound. Henry, of H2O has tried coaxing a good sound out of the 1000 ASP with no success. For great sound, there is just no substitute for a strong analog power supply. Like the review, points out, 1000ASP amps do sound good, just not on level with the H2O.

Eldartford,

Muralman mentioned Henry trying to get good sound out of the 1000ASP, and Henry had told me the same. To expand a bit upon what Vince stated above, the key differences between the two ICE modules 500ASP (in H2o can be purchased without power supply) in which case Henry then designed his analog power supply to best integrate with the ICE module.

If memory serves me correct, the 1000ASP ICE module is ONLY shipped from B&O WITH their switching power supply, and from what I have heard and/or read of that ICE module in other amps in reviews it has not compared favorably. This is what Vince referred to from Srajan about the Jjaz amps that use the 1000ASP module. They just don't sound as good. Or at least not *yet* ...

FWIW - I had also listened to/auditioned the Rowland 201 and 501's and didn't find them to be in the same league as the H2o's... YMMV of course.

Thanks guys.