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Best ICE-powered amps ?

I´m thinking of building a nice second system around ICE powered amps but haven´t got a clue (and currently not the time) to compare them.

The ones I know and heard good things of are:
- JRDG 501
- Bel Canto e.One Ref. 1000s
- NuForce Ref. 9 SE
- Red Dragon

Which one is the best ? Are there any ICE power experts on agon ?
frankpiet

Showing 4 responses by elberoth2

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elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
FYI Charlie Hansen designed only two Avalon models, before selling the company to Jeff Rowland.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Chris - forget all those ICE powered amps. I have tried them on my Eidolons, and they don't make a synergistic match at all. You will get a flat and sterile sound from this combination. All ceramic based Avalons need someting warmer sounding since they already have a slightly cooler rendition. That is why they sound best with tubes. The best SS amp I have found so far was Plinius SA-102. Probably also Cary MB-500 would work, too.
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elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
By all means do. I'm curious on your opinion on Kharma amp. I have heard it during CES, but never had a chance to try it at home.

BTW - how does the Ayre compare to Pass ?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Edge digital amps are also ICEpower based, so they will sound very much like JRDG amps.
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