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
Hi Denf,
Is there any chance you were mismatching your tube amps and speakers. No disrespect, but I have a friend who continues to match low watt SETs with inefficient speakers.
Good posts !

Thought I'd add my near-to-be-ending experiences with excessive heat, break downs, wear and tear, cost for KT-88 tubes, big caps, lugging 100lb+ bohemeths in and out for shipping or a trip to the tech bench.

After thinking what I've been through and $$ spent, I'm ready to take the plunge on a pair of NuForce demos and be done ?

When my transport decides to take a dive, I'll find a quality way to harness my PC for a music server.

Tired of the headaches, I'm looking for reliability and cool-running simplicity.
This is a lot different than responses to similar questions as little as a year ago.

I love it when we get the usual tried it all and found only solid state is three dimensional.

What was your attending equipment? The rules have changed. Wires, preamps, and front ends have to be simple and wonderful. Over-sampling CDPs sound their selves flat and cranky. You just don't know that when matching them to solid state.

I am listening to the Beatle compilation, "Love, " and am freaking out!!!!!!!!
Crank them Skinnies Muralman1, the best Aps I ever heard, never forgot the hypnotic trance.