digital Amp. Going green

Check out Gilmore Audio. I have the stereo Raven amp (250 wpc into 4 ohms), which is overkill power-wise for my Druids, and costs $3500. If you need more power, the Raptor monos produce 500wpc for $5000. They are built like tanks, sound great (beat out Atmasphere and NuForce in my system - see review section for details), have bass control and punch in spades, and are 93dB efficient.
http://www.glacieraudio.com/new%20Glacier%20Audio%20Site/Products%20folder/Gilmore/Gilmore-amps.htm

Like Moe,I too still own a tube amplifier although it sees less and less time in my system. I've auditioned five other switching amplifiers and to my ears none of them offer the same presentation as the tubed amp. Nor can the tubed amp offer the attractive characteristics of the switchers.

In my system the key to going green is the battery powered preamp. The class D's low current draw at idle is the only standby usage. Not until I power up a front end component does my AC usage increase and because of class D's efficiency even that draw is minimal. The convenience of simply powering the source component I find to be an incredible luxury.

Vic

Cullen Circuits "Wyred 4 Sound" amps in my system are musical, very detailed and dead quiet. Impressive build quality and well-engineered, including a switchable input impedance to optimally match either tube or ss linestage.

What a dilemma, lots of conflicting opinions out there on gear and no way to hear any of them in Vancouver before I purchase. Then again I've bought all my gear that way and I have been very happy and probably very lucky. Any opinions about the halcro mc20 compared to the latest NuForce v9se 2. Remember, I have had a pair of Bel Canto EVo 200.2 and paired with the right tube Pre Amp they were very engaging.

Kabir,

I cannot recommend these highly enough -- they are stunning performers:

http://www.redwineaudio.com/Signature_30.2.html

http://www.redwineaudio.com/Signature_70.2.html

I own the Red Wine Audio 30.2 and love it. It will change your opinion of what a digital amp is. It outclasses them all, except if you need more power, but that will sacrifice the sound. It sounds more seductive and tube-like and many tube amps I"ve owned but with bass definition and dynamics of a top notch SS amp.
The RWA amps run on high current sla battery power. I heard the 70.2s and when I get the funds, they will be my next purchase along with the Isabella preamp that RWA is releasing soon. If you cant tell, I'm a very happy camper with RWA.

As for going green, maybe they can be charged via a solar panel? Vinnie Rossi at RWA might be able to make it happen.

Good luck,
Jeff