Edge M8M vs NuForce

I owned a pair of the NuForce 9.02, and I just listened to a pair of the new SE versions of those amps at the HES show in LA a few days ago.

I sold the NuForce 9.02s after comparing them to the KR Audio monoblocks which I still have. I found the Nuforce to be a bit dry sounding compared to my KRs, and there was also a mid-base hump or emphasis which I found unwelcome. A fellow audiophile also confirmed this effect, and also noted that the KRs had better decay of notes. Overall, I found the KR amps gave me a shiver-down-my-spine thrill which elluded the Nuforce amps.

That said, I only tried the stock power cords and FIM gold power cords (and others have said power cord choice is important), and I did not have the Nuforce amps turned on for extended periods, and the previous poster suggests that this is very important. Still, I compared the amps under identical circumstances, and the Nuforce 9.02 didn't quite do it for me. The SE amps I listened to at HES did sound very good though, but then it's hard to really isolat what I heard, given the other electronics in the chain and different listening environment.

Best advice I can give is to listen for yourself, and trust your ears. I bought the Nuforce based on all the hype I heard, and the hype didn't quite match my own personal impressions.

Happy listening!

Just wanted to congratulate dbtrucks on a most informative, balanced and thoughtful answer to OP's question. These are rare enough to warrant recognition.

I would like to thank all of you for your time and invaluable contributions. After listening to all of you and some personal, auditions, I think I will stay with the edge. IM just not convinced the NuForce is an amp that will endure. I was, at first, curious because of all the rumors about this new technology, and of course, the very attractive prices. True with most new products and marketing plans, the NuForce has risen to the cost level of many, many, good amplifiers, and if the hype continues, you will see prices rise even higher. I certainly don't reject new technology, however, as with the Gain Card, I don't think this new type of amplification is for me.