power amplifiers with ICEpower module

I haven't tried listening to them yet.

The reviews and user responses have been very good, as far as I've seen.

The only digital amp I've heard so far, was the Panasonic XR70, in a friend's system. Not an ICE module, but a digital amp. Sounded pretty good for a mass market item. I understand that the ICE module is supposed to be in another league altogether.

If Rowland and others are using them, then I'd expect that they sound quite good, or they wouldn't use them.

I'm just one of those neanderthals who is holding on to his single-ended triode amp and record player.

Dazzdaz, which ICE amp have you listened to? I own H2O Signatures. They don't sound anything. They are the closest amp I have ever heard that bring my system closer to a real performance in my listening room. If you like dynamics, serious detail, and liquidity, the H2O offers all.

The ICE, Hypex, Evo, EAR, Rowlands, etc. are not "digital" amps. Most of them are class D alright (because A, B, AB, and C are already accounted for), but D does not stand for digital. One amp is classified as class T (tripath).

Here, suit yourself!

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/63926.html

With due respect, if the amp you heard is "cool" and "lean", then maybe it is something else because I have a different experienced. Or maybe, the power supply is not a good design.

I too have the ICE H2O. While it is not the "last" amp in terms of everything, it is nowhere near"cold" sounding in my application.

Just my opinions of course.

Dazzdax, you described some of what others are hearing, although some report the $15k Rowland 300 series may not have these drawbacks. Other amps using the ICEpower modules have tended to lacked life, dynamics, weight and immediacy in my experience. Some expensive loudspeakers acknowledged to have excellent dynamics and extended bass didn't sound at all that way at CES last month. I have omitted the names purposely so as to not sound overly critical and hope I have not offended anyone. I'm not familiar with your amp but imagine an ICEpower based amp might be a step backwards.
Brian

Essentialaudio, apparently you haven't heard the H2O, or your opinion might differ. My H2O amps outdo my former $16,000 solid state amps in life, dynamics, and immediacy. As to weight, that is a debatable attribute. I know a fellow who auditioned Rowland 201, 301, and 501 Rowland amps in his system before he decided on getting the H2O Signature monoblocks.