Class D amp with Tube Preamp Combo?

Ait,

I think you need to mention that your assessment of the Gilmore amp as compared to the Nuforce was based on experience w/ your particular system where the Nuforce Ref 9SE V2 had issue with noise. I mentioned before that the Nuforce once properly set up, will shine like no others but only IF properly set up. Now, the top of the line Gilmore is based on the ICE power ISP 1000 module of which I have experienced in my previous amps, the Bel Canto 1000. The comparison wasn't even close, the Nuforce was head and shoulder above the Bel Canto (SOLD) and I would think the Gilmore could not be be much different.

Just my $.02.

Kenobi

Hi Guidocorona, Jim and anyone interested,

Here's the review Ait did some time ago where he referenced the Nuforce Ref 9V2SE with others:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ramps&1205629120

I believe this is an aberation, perhaps limited to his set up, and not a typical scenario for the Nuforce.

Regards,

Kenobi

Hi Guidocorona,

Thank you for your confirmation. It took me a while, at least a few weeks for the sound to mature and probably a few months to where its at currently.

Audiophiles are an impulsive bunch and not the most patient. I am also one. Luckily, this time, I stuck around and am being rewarded. Many who did not have successful integration with their systems didn't give it the proper time and a bit of care in priming the unit to the rest of their system. In my case, I didn't discover its magic until I got rid of hard spiky cones and other detailed-wrenching isolation bases (and replaced with softer, more balanced ones) from the rest of my components. Turned out the NuForce amp itself had that in spades and needed no help in that area. A bit of warmth from cabling or upstream sources will nicely balance its inherent attributes and allow it to play music the way its intended.

Best regards,

Kenobi

Ait,

I have no issue if you are happy with your Gilmore amp. Just don't over generalize it by saying that it, quote: "In my evaluation, the Gilmore blew the NuForce Ref 9 SE V2 completely and utterly out of the water." w/o a caveat that it may not be representative of a perfectly functioning unit.

Also, the fact that the Nuforce had RF issue in your system means that your system isn't compatible with the amp. However, you weren't willing to investigate further to alleviate the noise before your auditioning, or get another sample to try. But instead went on to trash the amp the way you did. Fact is, nobody here but yourself mentioned noise issues with Nuforce for this latest V2 version means your experience is an aberation, not the norm. If you made mention of the noise issues, nobody would question your assessment under such condition.

Happy listening,

Kenobi