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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Chip amp development is based on economics, just as economics drove the development of solid state over tubes back in the 60s.

There will always be boutique manufacturers of more expensive equipment based on the latest technology. These boutique producers are not driving the interest in Class D. They are riding the wave.

Economics is driving the interest in digital/chip amps.
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
"You just don't know the beauty of class D"

Reminds me of something, hmm, what is it - oh yaa! I remember: "Luke, you just don't know the power of the dark side."
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
given all of the observations about class d amps, it seems odd that after all of the relecant points are made, this thread continues.

there can be as many observations about other products as have been generated about this product class. yet, posts continue.
this subject has received more posts than most other threads on the forum. i wonder why.

at what point does the light dim and what remains is just heat ? is there more enlightenment regarding this subject yet to be revealed ?
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Tvad, you are correct. There is no getting around class D upsetting the audio business cart. ICE modules are everything you say. They are light, inexpensive, powerful, and ready for use in mass market items.

By creating a module, the 500A, that does not fit the above attributes except cost, B&O has thrown down the gauntlet challenging the small, but crowded, hi-end audio.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2 OP
1,219 posts
 
Elbroth2, what switching amps besides the already mentioned Nuforce and Bel canto have you evaluated?

I have evluated the following class-d amps:

BelCanto evo 4 mk II (Tripath based) run in both bridged and unbridged mode
NuForce 9v2SE
Two ICE Power based amps (using 250 ASP and 500 ASP modules) - they were local made, so the name will not tell you anything, but since ICEPower only leaves the manufacturer with the choice of a box and the style of speaker terminals/rca sockets, I do belive that they all sound the same. The amp I used was equipped with superior Vampire terminals, and a very solid box.
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