Jeff Rowland

Guido, when you say the modules are analog devices, I think that paints with too broad a brush. The actual switching controller and output stage still put out a series of variable width pulses or rectangle waves that are subsequently fed into a filter that converts or "filters" them back into analog looking sine waves. The *input* to the switching controllor can be analog (or digital). Still, ultimately the signal is formed by rapidly switching or pulsing a circuit on and off. This technique is how the effeciencies are gained and basically what a Class D amp is. This is different IMO than simply amplifing an analog signal. Maybe they've got it worked out. I think I noticed a Bel Canto device in the Class A components of Stereophile. I don't think it could be that bad since that's the case. The idea and benefits are appealing but the implementation and sound of Class D I'm not so sure about. I bet you find 10 to 1 posts saying it doesn't sound right. Kind of like what you read about McIntosh or Krell. :)

". . . the implementation and sound of Class D I'm not so sure about."

You are absolutely correct Wireless, you can't be sure about something that you have not experienced personally in depth, regardless of what reviewers say, including yours truly. May I recommend that you give your ears greater credence than you credit the anachronistic pronounciations of the 'ancient regime' of audiophilia, or by sophistic arguments? Whether or not there is an ounce of truth in there existing a 'digital' core lurking inside an ASP1000, it does not change the fact that so many of us have found that ICEpower amplifiers, very much like tube and classic SS amplifiers, range in sound from the horrendous to the magnificent.

It is interesting that you mention McIntosh and Krell, as negative examples. . . would you consider condemning all tube amps and all class A solid state amps because the house sound of these 2 manufacturers may not be particularly liked by some?

Get out of the house and audition with an open mind to a Bel Canto Ref 1000 Mk.2, JRDG 312 and 301 monos, latest Spectron monos, and a smattering of other switching amps ranging in price from $500 to $50,000. . . I have no idea if you are going to like any of them, but at least you will be able to form an educated opinion based on your very own experience.

The article in Stereophile is being misunderstood here. I see it as him pointing out what are current classics and can be purchased at good prices and still yeild excellent results. The ommission of newer designs is obvious, they are new, not (yet) classics.

Brian, I agree. I got my answers on the JR "classic" JR products and kind of steered the thread to a class D discussion.

Guido, I think you miss my point - meant to be mildly humorous - about Krell and McIntosh. I was simply acknowledging the fact that even good gear gets bashed regularly. I'm open minded but no local dealers here for Bel Canto and JR. I may buy a used piece to try.

One area I think Class D may work well in is for speakers that need a lot of power with low impendance drops. Those characteristics apply to a lot of high-end speakers including a pair of Aerials I own.

In that case I agree. . . it's going to be a few years before a few current switching designs become 'classic'. . . let's meet again in 10 years around drinks. . . we'll be able to share some accumulated wisdom by then. G.