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Class-D amps - a different re view

Martin Colloms, the editor of HiFi Critic (ad-free mag from the UK) have recently published the review of several different Class-D amps, together with an in depth technical analysys and measurments.

His conclusions were not favourable, to say at least:

"I regret that not a single model merits unqualified recommendation. Price is not the issue; the poor listening tests speak for themselves. (...)
At present we have to take the prudent view that good sound might be possible from switching amps, but we haven't heard it yet."

BelCanto REF1000 (ICEpower) - score 10.5 pooints
"The ICE power module used has a dependable reputation, and the design is well built and finished as a whole. While I would not suggest that you shouldn't try this amp, on sound quality grounds alone I cannot recommend it for audiophile use."

Channel Islands D100 (UcD) - score 13 pooints
"While I have reservations about a number of aspects of sound quality, and advise personal audition, given the solid lab results (...) the overall performance and the moderate price, these CA Audio monos do make it to the 'worth considering' cathegory."

NuForce 8.5V2 (proprietary technology) - score 9 pooints
"Yes, the price is good for the power output. Yes it's pretty, light, small and runs cool. However, the sound quality simply does not justify recommendation." (on top of that the NuForce amp measured very poorly - Elb)

Pro-Ject Amp Box (Flying Mole) - score 5 points
"I'm sorry to say that Project (...) was a real disappointment in the listening tests, and can't be recommended."

Just as a point of reference, recently reviewed Krell 700CX scored 100 points, CJ Premier 350 - 110 points and ARC Ref 110 - 135 points.

At least someone have had the balls to say it. This is why HiFi Critic is THE mag to subscribe.
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Showing 5 responses by jw94055

jw94055
125 posts
 
Believe what you will. Ultra Audio, HiFi+, 6 moons, Positive
Feedback, Audio Critic (reviewing the ICE powered B&O BeoLab 5), Stereophile, Absolute Sound, etc., etc., all seem have found positive things to say about the Switching Amplifier technology. I have a Tripath based amp and I refer you to the Red Wine Audio review in the latest issue of HiFi+. It describes the sound better than I ever could. I remember all the hoo-haa when CD first came out. This all seems familiar.
jw94055
125 posts
 
Kudos Mjfvashon! Well said. A power amp, bottom line, will only amplify what it is feed. I believe the knocks against early CD is that it was solid state shrill. Vinyl did sound better through solid state pre and power amps. Time went on, improvements were made. I know people who will still only listen to vinyl through tube equipment. I think the best improvement a person can make in their system is to have a tube pre-amp or a tube DAC. J. Gordon Holt, once said the best combo was a tube pre with a ss power amp. I took that advice and I will always have a tube pre. As stated in a previous post, I now have a Tripath based power amp and I have no plans to replace it. My system has never sounded better.
jw94055
125 posts
 
Guidocorona. dyslexia appears. Heil Amt, not a Heil automated teller machine. Snopro, I know what you are saying, vis a vis the sound. I am hearing instruments I have never heard before on my familiar albums. Yes, I am old enough to remember the introduction of 8 track (59). Classical and bop jazz are my musical favorites. I am afraid my old rock recordings will not suffice if I want to do some serious listening.
jw94055
125 posts
 
Tubes and Class D. I have heard all solid state systems with class D power amps. Larryi gave a good description of the sound. I have a tube pre and a class d power amp. I think the sound is both highly detailed and warm. Clean, clear, tight, and warm. No solid state "cold". No class D "thin". To get the best out of class D, IMHO, combine old (tubes) with the new(class d). Just as the tube vs. solid state or CD vs. vinyl debates go on and on, so will this new debate in the audiophile world. Muralman, good listening from "Prairie Class T".

jw94055
125 posts
 
Guidocorona, I have a custom made 12au7 pre amp and an Audiosource Amp Seven T. This is a Tripath based amp, 200watts at 8 ohms. Got it off E-bay. The rumor is Audiosource had problems with FCC and radio interference. I hear nothing but black quiet from mine, even with the tube pre. It has a large torridal transformer and probably the Bel Canto Evo would be the closest well known equivalent. I wanted to try the Class D technology after reading reviews that one could have SET sound with high power output. All I know is that my combo of tube and Class D produces a musical experience that is excellent. I can not comment on the differences between Nuforce, ICE and Tripath as I have not heard them compared head to head. I have heard Class D systems without tubes and my system with tubes and IMHO, mine provides a superior sound. I have no interest in having a system using Class D that doesn't have a tube pre-amp and I can not imagine a system now that doesn't have a Class D power amp. Rest of system:Harmon Kardon CD player, Scott Nixon DAC and custom speakers using the full size Heil ATM, Peerless Mids and sub-woofer using KEF bass drivers. Good listening.
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