2. amps-preamps
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Are ICEpower amps really that good?

Hi folks, it's getting a bit boring now, but I would like to hear your opinions about the following issue. I have the eAR ICEpower based amps (with the ASP1000 modules with built in SMPS). Some audiophiles and amp manufacturers believe they are just trash. In my opinion they are no slouch compared with the almost 8 times more expensive Accuphase A-50V stereo amp. In fact, I prefer the ICEpower amps above the Accuphase. Now I'm a bit in doubt (audiophiles are such weird creatures): are this sub $2k ICEpower amps really that good that they can compete with the $$$ Accuphase amp, or is it due to my own shortcoming (I might have some form of insidious and progressive hearing impairment) or is it just imagination? If the ICEpower amps are really that good, what's the point of buying $$$ amps? Btw, I have Dunlavy SC-V loudspeakers.

Chris
dazzdax
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I believe the answer depends on the type of sound you like. If you prefer detailed, transparent, incisive, dead-neutral and uber-accurate sound, then ICE amps...and many digital (or "non-digital", i.e. NuForce) amps will be perfect for you.
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
I just found out that Bel Canto has an in-house 30 day demo of their amps. Because these amps are very system dependent, anyone considering these can try them in their home with their system, risk free. That is the way all audio equipment should be auditioned.

Click on this and go to "how to buy" for details:

http://www.belcantodesign.com/prodmain.html
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Dazzdax...You are suffering from the early stages of upgradeitis. The cure is to buy a much more expensive ICE amp like the H2O.
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