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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
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.
jw94055
125 posts
 
Believe what you will. Ultra Audio, HiFi+, 6 moons, Positive
Feedback, Audio Critic (reviewing the ICE powered B&O BeoLab 5), Stereophile, Absolute Sound, etc., etc., all seem have found positive things to say about the Switching Amplifier technology. I have a Tripath based amp and I refer you to the Red Wine Audio review in the latest issue of HiFi+. It describes the sound better than I ever could. I remember all the hoo-haa when CD first came out. This all seems familiar.
myrtle
30 posts
 
In the end I have to go with my own ears. I had graduated to Plinius 102 and tried the Nuforce and ditched the Plinius without a second's thought. The Nuforce was more real, and removed the stodginess and electronic hash of the Plinius.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I recently heard one of the writer's favorite two conventional amps powering some Apogee Divas. I can't wait to get to the same place so I can wake up that tired sound with my class D amps.
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