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H20 Revisited


I've come across several glowing reviews of the H20 M250s and S250 from a few years ago, but haven't found much additional feedback over the past 12-18 months.

Are there still satisfied owners out there? Has anyone auditioned the amps recently? Do they still stand out against the alternatives in the price/class range?

I'm narrowing down a list of SS amplifiers to audition and would love to hear if the H20s are still at the head of the class.
robtym

Showing 2 responses by dotsystem

dotsystem
81 posts
 
I am still using my H20 and am very happy with it. There are lots of Icepower amps around. Most use Icepower modules with a built in switching power supply and have a very small chassis. The H20 uses a large linear power supply and large chassis. This allows changing the power supply bypass caps to tune the sound as I and a few others have done. This is not an option with small chassis, SWPS amps.

There is now a lower power H20 model available using that I auditioned briefly. It sounds similar to the the Signature stereo version at lower cost.

Bob
dotsystem
81 posts
 
One important point with the bypass caps. Unplug the unit and discharge the big electrolytic caps before working on the unit. There is significant voltage waiting to zap you.

Also the stock binding posts are nickle-plated. Just about any other Cardas model will fit the chassis holes and sound better. You must disconnect the module leads because high temperature is required to solder the binding posts and is enough to damage the amp.

Bob
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