How does ICEpower 1200AS2 compares to Hypex NC500 implementation?


I need to buy an amp that works well with a large center channel. I have made up my mind on going with Class D to save space among other things. 

I have narrowed down to two implementations, they are based on ICEpower 1200AS2 and Hypex NC500, links are for the data sheets. 

ICEpower 1200AS2 implementations from Apollon Audio and Nord Acoustics among others look good. And one of this module can power two speakers or act as mono block(no bridging necessary!?) all for less than $1000, seems quite a value.

All the local manufactures seem to be still focused on using older ICEpower modules not sure why. Any one has thoughts or detailed technical input on which amplifier to use?. The speaker in question is Legacy Marquis XD , 4 Ohm nominal, 95 dB and suggested 15 to 400 watts. I do not wish to clip the LF for the speaker. Looking for an economical and cool running amp that can supply ample power when needed at lowest distortion possible for the $.
geek101

Showing 1 response by ricevs

You really cannot trust what people who sell both modules say about the sound. They were selling the more expensive Ncore amps long before the less expensive 1200AS came out. If they said that the Ice was better they would lose all their stock of chassis and amps and input stages and power supplies used in the more expensive Ncore implementations. I am not saying which is best. Just saying. I have read of two A/Bs where the stock 1200AS2 was preferred over the Nord one up NC500. What I will be selling is tweaked mono 1200AS1s. The tweaking here is extreme. These sound nothing like a stock stereo module in a box. Of course, you cannot trust a word I say, as I am the seller. However, my amps will have a 30 day in house money back guarantee. Everyone can hear for themselves. You can trust your ears!

By the way, there is no one that I know of that has found the 1200AS modules not able to drive their speaker (and I mean super loud!). I don’t know anyone who has tested the modules for power at lower impedances. The 2.7 ohm minimum by IcePower on the spec sheet is probably just a conservative rating because they intend to sell these super high powered modules to PA users and sub amp manufacturers (you don’t want your amps going into protection in the middle of a concert!!!). 2.7 ohms is three 8 ohm speakers in parallel. I will be testing the modules at 2.7 ohms and at 2 ohms and will let everyone know how they do. I expect the protection circuits will come into play here. I am guesstimating around $1400 watts into 2.7 and around 1000 into 2.....then they shut off. I could be way off here....we shall see.