Kuribo,
Both you and Guido have suggested the newer AMS-1000-2600 modules are likely to outperform the older and discontinued ALC-1000-1300 modules. I tend to agree with both of you that the AMS is likely to sound better than the ALC; reasoning that Anaview would not discontinue the ALC and replace it with the AMS if it didn't perform better, or am I missing something? I have very limited experience with class D amps in general and have actually only auditioned one in my system, a ClassD Audio 440CS stereo amp, that I wound up buying in January 2014 and have used since as my main amp for driving my older pair of Magnepan 2.7 qr speakers for both 60% ht and 40% 2-ch music duties.
However, I'm now on a fixed income and no longer have the same discretionary income I enjoyed previously. Unfortunately, I'm constrained by financial reasons. Here's some clarifying information on my current thoughts:
1. I paid $560 for the pair of ALC amp modules and it will cost an additional $1,250 for parts and labor for D-Sonic to install these into their latest cases and produce, in effect, a pair of the original Abletec ALC-1000-1300 version of the M3-600-M mono-blocks that sold for $1,875/pair when I initially bought my modules. That means my pair will cost me $1,810/pair ($560 plus $1.250=$1,810). This $65 savings was definitely not my motivation for asking James Romeyn to build a 'copycat' version of the D-Sonic M3-600-M mono-blocks. It wasn't worth the added complications involved and now wish I'd just ordered a new pair from D-Sonic instead for $1,875. Initially, I wasn't crazy about the styling of the D-Sonic amp's styling and decided to have James build a pair of amps in custom aluminum cases with blue LED power status lights shining downward on the cases' brushed aluminum faceplates.
2. D-Sonic's newer AMS-1000-2600 version of the M3-600-M mono-blocks, designated as M3-600-M-A, sell for $2,050/pair. Adding in the $560 I already paid for the ALC modules I wouldn't be using, this results in an effective cost of $2,610/pair to me.
3. I did ask D-Sonic if they would take my ALC modules in trade toward the purchase of a pair of the M3-600-M-A mono-block amps. But, since the ALC modules are discontinued and no longer used in any D-Sonic amps, the modules have limited value to them. Owner, Dennis Deacon, understandably declined and suggested I sell them on the used market and apply the proceeds toward the newer AMS version amps' purchase. Good idea but I'm unsure of how much these older ALC modules are worth, not certain the newer AMS amps even outperform the older ALC modules and don't want to delay obtaining new mono-blocks even further, which is why I decided to go with the ALC modules.
I realize I might be making a performance compromise by utilizing the original ALC based M3-600-M amps, instead of the newer AMS based amps, in my system. But I don't think this is a foregone conclusion:
D-Sonic owner Dennis Deacon, one of two people having heard both modules that I'm aware of, has stated that the sonic differences between these modules is "subtle".
The other, Richard, Anaview's head of U.S. Sales and Distribution in N.J., stated: "the main difference between these modules is not sound quality, saying both sound remarkably similar, but the ability of the new AMS to automatically adapt internally to either 115 or 230 voltages. The older ALC requires a change of setting on an internal dip switch, correct attachment of an inline fuse and the use of a supplied small jumper when assembling that is specifically configured depending on supplied mains voltage."
Now, I think I should also consider Kuribo's post stating: "All the feedback about it on Swedish and German audio sites (where it has a following) from adopters has been very positive in comparison to the discontinued module". This is news to me, since I've not read any of this feedback on these European sites. but I would like to. Kuribo, if these Swedish and German forums are in English or even available translated into English, please post the websites.
I've become a big fan of class D amplification ever since I fortuitously buying a sub-$500 ClassD Audio 440CS stereo amp to replace a broken Aragon 4004 to drive my inefficient Magnepan 2.7qr speakers. I was fascinated that a small, 15 pound, cool running, energy sipping, green and easily affordable class D amp could out-power and outperform (literally in every sonic category known to man) my former large, 85 pound, warm to hot running, space heating and expensive class A/B Aragon amp.
As our predictable 'audiofool' natures dictate and manifest themselves, I began wondering how other class D amps would perform in my system.
This curiosity led me to reading everything I could find on class D; how it differed from the traditional class A, class A/B and tubed amps and compared sound wise to them, what amp modules were being utilized by which companies, sonic impressions from owners and even about DIYers building their own amps utilizing various class D modules and both switching and more traditional toroidal power supplies.
During this learning process, I realized that my actual class D experience consisted of one brand amp in one system. My search for a new class D amp was not initiated by a dissatisfaction with the performance of my ClassD Audio 440CS amp in my system at all. In fact, I had a hard time imagining how another amp would better this little bargain gem of an amp's performance.
My current amp journey was instead initiated by curiosity and a desire to become better acquainted with, and gain firsthand knowledge about, this newer (although older than I thought) amp technology that I believe has a very bright future.
I hope this better explains my willingness to accept my next class D amp(s) being a bit less than the latest and newest version. If the newest AMS modules are truly superior to the slightly older ALC modules, I suspect I'll probably be owning a stereo or mono-blocks example in the not too distant future and find out for myself. I'd also like to audition other class D amps, from B&O Ice ASC, ASP and ASX based to Hypex and Pascal based. I'm just a class D neophyte right now.
Thanks,
Tim
Both you and Guido have suggested the newer AMS-1000-2600 modules are likely to outperform the older and discontinued ALC-1000-1300 modules. I tend to agree with both of you that the AMS is likely to sound better than the ALC; reasoning that Anaview would not discontinue the ALC and replace it with the AMS if it didn't perform better, or am I missing something? I have very limited experience with class D amps in general and have actually only auditioned one in my system, a ClassD Audio 440CS stereo amp, that I wound up buying in January 2014 and have used since as my main amp for driving my older pair of Magnepan 2.7 qr speakers for both 60% ht and 40% 2-ch music duties.
However, I'm now on a fixed income and no longer have the same discretionary income I enjoyed previously. Unfortunately, I'm constrained by financial reasons. Here's some clarifying information on my current thoughts:
1. I paid $560 for the pair of ALC amp modules and it will cost an additional $1,250 for parts and labor for D-Sonic to install these into their latest cases and produce, in effect, a pair of the original Abletec ALC-1000-1300 version of the M3-600-M mono-blocks that sold for $1,875/pair when I initially bought my modules. That means my pair will cost me $1,810/pair ($560 plus $1.250=$1,810). This $65 savings was definitely not my motivation for asking James Romeyn to build a 'copycat' version of the D-Sonic M3-600-M mono-blocks. It wasn't worth the added complications involved and now wish I'd just ordered a new pair from D-Sonic instead for $1,875. Initially, I wasn't crazy about the styling of the D-Sonic amp's styling and decided to have James build a pair of amps in custom aluminum cases with blue LED power status lights shining downward on the cases' brushed aluminum faceplates.
2. D-Sonic's newer AMS-1000-2600 version of the M3-600-M mono-blocks, designated as M3-600-M-A, sell for $2,050/pair. Adding in the $560 I already paid for the ALC modules I wouldn't be using, this results in an effective cost of $2,610/pair to me.
3. I did ask D-Sonic if they would take my ALC modules in trade toward the purchase of a pair of the M3-600-M-A mono-block amps. But, since the ALC modules are discontinued and no longer used in any D-Sonic amps, the modules have limited value to them. Owner, Dennis Deacon, understandably declined and suggested I sell them on the used market and apply the proceeds toward the newer AMS version amps' purchase. Good idea but I'm unsure of how much these older ALC modules are worth, not certain the newer AMS amps even outperform the older ALC modules and don't want to delay obtaining new mono-blocks even further, which is why I decided to go with the ALC modules.
I realize I might be making a performance compromise by utilizing the original ALC based M3-600-M amps, instead of the newer AMS based amps, in my system. But I don't think this is a foregone conclusion:
D-Sonic owner Dennis Deacon, one of two people having heard both modules that I'm aware of, has stated that the sonic differences between these modules is "subtle".
The other, Richard, Anaview's head of U.S. Sales and Distribution in N.J., stated: "the main difference between these modules is not sound quality, saying both sound remarkably similar, but the ability of the new AMS to automatically adapt internally to either 115 or 230 voltages. The older ALC requires a change of setting on an internal dip switch, correct attachment of an inline fuse and the use of a supplied small jumper when assembling that is specifically configured depending on supplied mains voltage."
Now, I think I should also consider Kuribo's post stating: "All the feedback about it on Swedish and German audio sites (where it has a following) from adopters has been very positive in comparison to the discontinued module". This is news to me, since I've not read any of this feedback on these European sites. but I would like to. Kuribo, if these Swedish and German forums are in English or even available translated into English, please post the websites.
I've become a big fan of class D amplification ever since I fortuitously buying a sub-$500 ClassD Audio 440CS stereo amp to replace a broken Aragon 4004 to drive my inefficient Magnepan 2.7qr speakers. I was fascinated that a small, 15 pound, cool running, energy sipping, green and easily affordable class D amp could out-power and outperform (literally in every sonic category known to man) my former large, 85 pound, warm to hot running, space heating and expensive class A/B Aragon amp.
As our predictable 'audiofool' natures dictate and manifest themselves, I began wondering how other class D amps would perform in my system.
This curiosity led me to reading everything I could find on class D; how it differed from the traditional class A, class A/B and tubed amps and compared sound wise to them, what amp modules were being utilized by which companies, sonic impressions from owners and even about DIYers building their own amps utilizing various class D modules and both switching and more traditional toroidal power supplies.
During this learning process, I realized that my actual class D experience consisted of one brand amp in one system. My search for a new class D amp was not initiated by a dissatisfaction with the performance of my ClassD Audio 440CS amp in my system at all. In fact, I had a hard time imagining how another amp would better this little bargain gem of an amp's performance.
My current amp journey was instead initiated by curiosity and a desire to become better acquainted with, and gain firsthand knowledge about, this newer (although older than I thought) amp technology that I believe has a very bright future.
I hope this better explains my willingness to accept my next class D amp(s) being a bit less than the latest and newest version. If the newest AMS modules are truly superior to the slightly older ALC modules, I suspect I'll probably be owning a stereo or mono-blocks example in the not too distant future and find out for myself. I'd also like to audition other class D amps, from B&O Ice ASC, ASP and ASX based to Hypex and Pascal based. I'm just a class D neophyte right now.
Thanks,
Tim