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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.
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darkj
135 posts
 
I'm going to assume that you took a snippet of his conclusions. I'd be interested if there were any supporting impressions. However, I don't see any above. Did Mr. Colloms say why he came to these conclusions?

All I can say is I'm running a pair of Bel Canto Evo 200.2's in bridged configuration and I couldn't be happier. They have the power to make my Martin Logan's come to life, and they sound superb -- smooth, musical and well balanced across the frequency spectrum. In my case they beat out other very well regarded older amps from BAT and Classe. If you have more info, please share it.
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
One thing about him-he speaks his mind and doesn't care what anyone else says. That is the prerogative of someone his age. It reminds me of the old phrase, "not always right, but never in doubt". I really appreciate his views on loudspeakers,cables and A/B testing. He has been around long enough to have seen it all.
stltrains
845 posts
 
Elberoth2 audio reviewers are like any other profession. If you look hard enough you can find someone who will say what you want to hear. I am not here to say that class d is the best or worst. All i am saying is as far as nuforce goes a vast number of reviewers have found the amps to be some of the best they have listened to, so what. The only one who can make a statement of like or dislike is the buyer who compares the products themselves. And anyone who makes a purchase of any product with out trying it first is like a lamb being lead to slaughter. Or is some cases they just got lucky. JMO
If i can ask what were you getting at with this post.
plato
1,543 posts
 
Oh great... another slam the Class-D amps thread. How original!

My view is that a lot of audiophiles just don't want to believe that class-D amps can compete with and oft-times outperform the best conventional ss and tube amps available.

This is the conclusion I've reached after hearing the NuForce 9SE V2 amps in my system. They sounded very good when I had them set up with all solid-state associated gear; but now that I'm using a custom 6SN7 tube preamp, I have to say that in my view this combination beats everything I've heard to this point...

My hunch is that the NuForce 9SE V2 provides such a transparent window that what I'm hearing is the unadulterated sonic signature of the 6SN7 linestage, which is a stunningly gorgeous musical signature. It provides the most wonderful midrange and highs I've ever heard; and of course the bass kicks butt too.

Cheers!
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
A friend of mine who pops in here once and awhile who I respect for his knowledge, experience and equipment (he has a Walker table wich grants everyone else instant fame and respect in these forums) switched from his near 200lb Krell pure class A room heater to (2) 7.5lb D amps and likes the results, he still has the Krell only because it was a hassle to try to sell, though he tried.
I cant recall the model, I do think he said they gave 500w per channel and were less then $2000 per pair.....my point is I dont beleive these amps deserve the thrashing the recieve atleast not without an educated length of personal experience and un-biased evaluation.
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