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
Interesting. Elberoth2, Can you share anything about the Nuforce measurements?
The Absolute Sound surveyed several Class-D amps in the November 2006 issue. A couple of reviewers liked the sound of a couple of amps, but most did not. A typical comment from memory, "great bass (that's why these amps are used in subwoofers) but the midrange treble are not so good."

I don't have the issue any longer and don't recall if every reviewer listened to every amp. The general consensus seemed to be, "interesting technology, not ready for prime time, no recommendation, but go have a listen for yourself." The overall tone was fairly negative.
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!
I am now driving my Magnepan 20Rs with a Spectron Musician III and previously a pair of Bel Canto ref 1000 monoblocs and both bested the big boy SS Class A and A/B amps that I have had in my system before.
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