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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.
128x128elberoth2

Showing 3 responses by stltrains

stltrains
845 posts
 
Elberoth2 audio reviewers are like any other profession. If you look hard enough you can find someone who will say what you want to hear. I am not here to say that class d is the best or worst. All i am saying is as far as nuforce goes a vast number of reviewers have found the amps to be some of the best they have listened to, so what. The only one who can make a statement of like or dislike is the buyer who compares the products themselves. And anyone who makes a purchase of any product with out trying it first is like a lamb being lead to slaughter. Or is some cases they just got lucky. JMO
If i can ask what were you getting at with this post.
stltrains
845 posts
 
Nuforce as a company does not consider there amps as digital, they call them analog switching amps with very high bandwidth, low distortion.
In my system the lack of body is not a issue. in the end its the same song what works for you is all that matters. and until the cows come home there will always be those who reject anything thats different than what the norm has been.
stltrains
845 posts
 
I'm quite happy with my class d amps. Yes the manufacturer offers upgrades at a not so out of site price. Yes i have upgraded twice, Yes each time my amps have increased in there ability to make music better. And yes i use a tubed preamp for now with my class d amps. A bit of the old with the new. For the life of me i cant understand why some have to believe that what they like is the only thing thats any good. Guys and gals if you have a amp and system thats to your liking i am so glad for you. Dont argue that its better than mine.
Enjoy your system and i will enjoy mine.
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