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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.
elberoth2
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
You have not convinced me. Knowing what a family of acoustic instruments sound like in real life should be one's gauge, not the recording. Besides Atmasphere is no more likely to remember whether his playback sounds like the performance. He still has to rely on his memory.

When I clicked your system I found you use Bose! :)
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
OK gang, now making a feeble attempt to get back on track. . . who has had any experience with the Halcro MC20 or other Halcro class D designs?
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Dunno Guido
tvad
9,467 posts
 
11-15-07: Muralman1
Knowing what a family of acoustic instruments sound like in real life should be one's gauge, not the recording.
I agree. I suspect Atmasphere agrees.

However, one cannot compare the sound of a violin heard live in Disney Hall with a recording of a violin made anywhere (including Disney Hall) and assume the playback is accurate simply because the acoustics of the live room and the acoustics of the playback room are different.

Anyway, this is a tiresome debate that's been re-treaded hundreds of times in these threads.

My system is better than your sucky system.

:)
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Tvad, I agree... We are not carving new territory, or supplying grand insights.

I just cannot abide anyone telling us they know there system captured the night because they taped the night. What they hear back at the lab is the tape on their system, not the music that was captured by the tape. Do you get my meaning? We are asked to take their word for it. The Von Schweikert demo is no more convincing. We weren't at the recording. The smart thing was to use a master tape.
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