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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
 
06-04-06: Arni
Tvad,
I have read an Nuforce owner argue (Audiogon thread) that it was more musical and warmer than the Conrad-Johnson SE60 it replaced. Have you ever listened to an ICE power based amp in direct comparison to the type of amps you believe are "better?"
I have auditioned NuForce Ref 8 and CI Audio D100 and D200 in my system. I don't know if they are ICE based amps.

The NuForce Ref 8 that I heard in my system...and the NuForce Ref 9.02SE that I heard at the LA audio show this weekend were less warm than any tube amp I have ever heard.

Honestly, I believe warmth is a product of distortion, as the distortion fuzzes up the leading edges - among other things - and creates what we consider warmth. That in combination with attenuated highs.

Since digital amps have such low distortion specs, and have such wide bandwidth, I find it difficult to believe that they can be warm in any sense of the traditional audiophile definition of the term.

It's somewhat system dependent, I'm sure.

I'd have paid someone at the LA audio show if they could have pointed me in the direction of a demo room with a warm sound. The Acapella and Wilson rooms came closest. Even the Lamm room was not warm, although I liked the sound.
tgrisham
1,179 posts
 
Mind if I ramble a bit?? Your question is interesting in part because it brings up the old conflict of descriptors such as "detailed", "warm", "veiled", etc. It comes down to preference. In thinking about your question it occurred to me that we all have so much time and money invested in our equipment that it becomes very personal. There are those of us who like a certain sound quality when we listen, and some who just want to perfectly recreate a studio or concert hall recording, warts and all. Maybe the SET and tube officiadoes prefer Van Gogh or Rembrandt, and the Icepower lovers prefer the pointalists or photographic art. Not that we don't appreciate one or the other, but what do we like the most, and spend our money on? What do you listen for in recordings?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
There are those of us who like a certain sound quality when we listen, and some who just want to perfectly recreate a studio or concert hall recording, warts and all.
Exactly. So, the answer to the question, "Are ICE power amps really that good?", depends on what sound you're after.

There is no right answer that can be applied to everyone.
nicksgem10s
98 posts
 
Hi Tvad,

Can I ask you what preamp they paired the Nuforce Ref 9.02SE with at the show? I am curious to know. Thanks

Dazzdax,
I haven't heard your specific amps but the Nuforce have me rethinking what was possible at different price points. I auditioned the Nuforce in my own system and was pleasantly suprised. I don't own them yet.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
06-04-06: Nicksgem10s
Hi Tvad,

Can I ask you what preamp they paired the Nuforce Ref 9.02SE with at the show? I am curious to know. Thanks
I believe it was the NuForce P-8 preamp, but I'm not certain.
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