Amp with a hard,clean and cold sound...

06-14-06: Plato
Tvad, you keep referring to toroidal vs. SMPS power supplies as if this was a significant point of some sort.

Frank, I'm not sure how to take your comment, so let me be precise in why I posted that. It was simply because I found it interesting that both the CI Audio D200 and H2O amplifiers were recommended as filling Grisselham's requirements, and I found it coincidental that they both have toroids.

Having heard several digital amps, and NuForce amps, I prefer those with toroidal power supplies.

I meant nothing more significant than that, and I don't have a clue from a technical perspective how a toroidal power supply is better or worse than a SMPS, or how it affects the sound of an amplifier. I just happen to prefer the sound of the CI Audio digital amps that have toroidal power supplies.

I hope this clears things up. I certainly wasn't looking for a fight.

If it is hard clean sound you want, then I would definitely go with the switch powered class D amps. Like There isn't anything cold about toroidal powered amps, they are just clean and natural.

If you are looking for inexpensive try the Acurus A-200.

Mark Levinson No 23.5

It's been a fantastic work horse for me, I picked up a No 27 and run them both to bi-amp my Paradigm Signature S4's. I bought an ARC VT-60 hoping to get a more tubed sound. My goal was to eventually go with a VT-100 Mk III for the bass/mid and the VT-60 to power the tweeters.

I thought the Levinson actually had as good an upper end and mid sound ... and the bass - it's not even a comparison. I expected the VT-60 to keep up at lower volume levels but I'm just not feeling the love. I thinking about sending both the Levinsons into Harmon and have them gone through - bring the No 27 to a 27.5 and call it good. I personally think I own one of the best SS amps with the Levinson name on it. I have never even pushed them. I can bring the volume level from soft to concert level and they dont seem to flinch.

All that being said - there is synergy between amplifiers and speakers ... I found my combo. Your speakers will be just as big a factor ...