class d

Jimmy3993, yes the amp will contribute to staging, like every other component. . . you'll see in a couple of weeks. I suggest you call Nuforce about the problem you are experiencing with the P9. I have tried 2 different pres with the NuForce Ref 9 SE: ARC Ref 3 and JRDG Capri. They both have no impedance nor gain matching problems with the NuForce. I personally prefer the Capri because of its frequency extension and linearity, but many will prefer the Ref 3 for its slightly greater warmth.

Thanks again. I talked to nuforce. Part of the issue is fixable, part is intentional. There is a jumper that I can close to cut the gain in half. But in their literature they talk about the gain being linear as opposed to other pre designs where the volume is more gradual. For me it comes down to a question of usability. I really like the ht pass, the extra pre out for my sub and the "cleanness" of the sound but I need more volume flexibility.

More conversation with nuforce. They gave me directions to open the pre and move a jumper to cut the gain by 1/2. So I gave it a shot but when I opened it up it didnt really look like he picture. Turns out that the demo version i was sent has an old board without the jumper. But they offered to switch it out and if thatw as not enough of a reduction, the offered to add resistance if I wanted. Not bad from a service standpoint.

I actually had a different issue with the NuForce V2 SE and my Supratek Chenin tube preamp. The RF emitted by the Nuforce fed back through the tubes in my pre, producing a contant buzz/hum through the speakers, and a very glaring type of sound - rather unpleasant. Be careful matching the NuForce with tube preamps, especially Suprateks. The Supras are very sensitive to RF - I can't have a cell phone in the same room with them, or I hear every ping of the cell tower loud and clear. No such problem with the Gilmores, however.

No guarantees, but the Rowland chassis is designed with containing RFI in mind. Some of the worst of Class D or ICEPower impressions comes from these kind of issues. It cannot be ignored. Besides interacting with pre-amps, setting your CDP and ICEPower amp side by side can be disappointing. With my Rowland Continuum 500 and Playback Designs MPS-5 it's not an issue at all, either in unbalanced or balanced mode.

Dave