Yes, I am firmly entrenched in the Class D/ICE camp these days. When done right, I see no down side.
Three things I think that do matter from vendor to vendor:
1) how well the design deals with potential RF and electric curcuit noise that I have heard can be an issue if not dealt with properly. Rowland and Bel Canto seem to do this aspect of things very well.
2) how well the amp integrates with tube pre-amps that tend to have higher output impedances than SS pre-amps
3) the quality of the power supply to the internal ICE module
The better vendors seem to have a handle on these issues. Lesser vendors may not.
My choice boiled down between Wyred + Bel Canto. Wryed was the best value overall and BEl Canto appeared to be the best designed overall for lowest cost (used), though still quite a bit pricier than Wyred.
Wyred seems to be the best buy out there, especially for those with tube pre-amps in that they adapt the standard ICE module to match impedance better there, which is a worthwhile enhancement to help keep distortion minimal if you have a tube pre.
I suspect for those with SS pre-amps, there are even better bargains out there from companies that essentially just put the standard ICE module in a box.
I have not had an opportunity to a/b different Class D amps. Having auditioned a lot of systems and amps over the years, I am 100% satisfied with the BEl CAnto ref1000 mkiis thus far though I can say. Not sure what more I could ask for?
Three things I think that do matter from vendor to vendor:
1) how well the design deals with potential RF and electric curcuit noise that I have heard can be an issue if not dealt with properly. Rowland and Bel Canto seem to do this aspect of things very well.
2) how well the amp integrates with tube pre-amps that tend to have higher output impedances than SS pre-amps
3) the quality of the power supply to the internal ICE module
The better vendors seem to have a handle on these issues. Lesser vendors may not.
My choice boiled down between Wyred + Bel Canto. Wryed was the best value overall and BEl Canto appeared to be the best designed overall for lowest cost (used), though still quite a bit pricier than Wyred.
Wyred seems to be the best buy out there, especially for those with tube pre-amps in that they adapt the standard ICE module to match impedance better there, which is a worthwhile enhancement to help keep distortion minimal if you have a tube pre.
I suspect for those with SS pre-amps, there are even better bargains out there from companies that essentially just put the standard ICE module in a box.
I have not had an opportunity to a/b different Class D amps. Having auditioned a lot of systems and amps over the years, I am 100% satisfied with the BEl CAnto ref1000 mkiis thus far though I can say. Not sure what more I could ask for?