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Class-D amps - a different re view

Martin Colloms, the editor of HiFi Critic (ad-free mag from the UK) have recently published the review of several different Class-D amps, together with an in depth technical analysys and measurments.

His conclusions were not favourable, to say at least:

"I regret that not a single model merits unqualified recommendation. Price is not the issue; the poor listening tests speak for themselves. (...)
At present we have to take the prudent view that good sound might be possible from switching amps, but we haven't heard it yet."

BelCanto REF1000 (ICEpower) - score 10.5 pooints
"The ICE power module used has a dependable reputation, and the design is well built and finished as a whole. While I would not suggest that you shouldn't try this amp, on sound quality grounds alone I cannot recommend it for audiophile use."

Channel Islands D100 (UcD) - score 13 pooints
"While I have reservations about a number of aspects of sound quality, and advise personal audition, given the solid lab results (...) the overall performance and the moderate price, these CA Audio monos do make it to the 'worth considering' cathegory."

NuForce 8.5V2 (proprietary technology) - score 9 pooints
"Yes, the price is good for the power output. Yes it's pretty, light, small and runs cool. However, the sound quality simply does not justify recommendation." (on top of that the NuForce amp measured very poorly - Elb)

Pro-Ject Amp Box (Flying Mole) - score 5 points
"I'm sorry to say that Project (...) was a real disappointment in the listening tests, and can't be recommended."

Just as a point of reference, recently reviewed Krell 700CX scored 100 points, CJ Premier 350 - 110 points and ARC Ref 110 - 135 points.

At least someone have had the balls to say it. This is why HiFi Critic is THE mag to subscribe.
128x128elberoth2
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
the problem with most solid state amps is the unrealistic presentation of detail. the sound of an instrument is usually represented as highly timbrally inaccurate, compared to some of the classic tube designs.

there is something very unnatural about solid state.

yes, you get the speed, control and resolution, but there is no bloom and the sound seems forced, rather than liquid.

it would be nice to meet some audiophiles at ces, visit soem rooms and compare perceptions.
jw94055
125 posts
 
Guidocorona. dyslexia appears. Heil Amt, not a Heil automated teller machine. Snopro, I know what you are saying, vis a vis the sound. I am hearing instruments I have never heard before on my familiar albums. Yes, I am old enough to remember the introduction of 8 track (59). Classical and bop jazz are my musical favorites. I am afraid my old rock recordings will not suffice if I want to do some serious listening.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Mrtennis - your perception of solid state is largely correct. We are talking about class D. Some bloke wrote yet another personal opinion piece based on guesswork equipment matching.
audioperv
18 posts
 
"FWIW there is no audible difference between a damping factor of 60 and that of 1000..."
Thank you Atma for the information Much appreciated.

"the problem with most solid state amps is. . ."

Right on MRT. I should also like to add:

"the problem with most tubed amps is. . ."
"The problem with most OTL amps is. . ."
"the problem with most switching amps is. . ."

Or in other words:

the problem with most amps is. . .that in every technology, there are inherent problems, and not all engineers know how to address them.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Audioperv:
that in every technology, there are inherent problems, and not all engineers know how to address them
Hmmm, may I paraphrase? "In every topology there are inferent problems, and all engineers (worth their salt) have adressed them, choosing one compromise over another." Cheers.
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