Ice Amp 125ASX2

seanheis 1,

     I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with how good the newer class D amps perform.  I think the Ice amp 125asx2 module was intoduced about 5 yrs ago and was considered a much better performer than the original Tripath modules.  These modules had much better bass and the treble was extended to full range.  They were very neutral sounding and never ran more than warm to the touch since they didn't  produce a lot of excess heat llike traditional class A and A/B amps.

     Several newer class D modules are now on the market from companies like Abletec and Hypex  that outperform the Ice modules you asked about.  I'm now using a pair of class D monoblocks from D-sonic that utilize the Abletec modules and they are very good.

    I can better advise you about class D modules and amps  if you can let me know a few things:

1.  Do you plan to build your own amp or purchase a fully assembled amp using class D modules?

2.  Are you interested in a single stereo amp or a pair of monoblocks?

3.  What speakers would the amp be powering?

4.  How big is your room?

Thanks,
Tim.  

seanheis 1,

     geared4me has a good point about knowing your budget range,so please answer this 5th question,too..

Thanks,

Tim

seanheis 1,

     I think you're going to like it.  Like several posters have stated, these class D amps are very neutral.  I use a total of 5 class D amps in my combo 5.1 ht/ music system utilizing 3 different power modules listed below:

Anaview/Abletec modules - in a pair of D-sonic M3-600-A monoblock driving the front l/r mains.

B&O Ice ASP series modules, I believe - in a  bridged Emerald Physics EP-100.2SE stereo amp (with a custom analog power supply rather than the usual switching one) driving the center.

Proprietary modules - in a stereo ClassD Audio SDS440CS amp (also using a  traditional toirrodal transformer power supply, not the typical switching power supply) for the rear surrounds.

     Even though I'm currently only using the Anaview/Abletec modules for music (because they're the latest models, the most powerful and sound the best to me), I have  auditioned all 3 driving my older 4 ohm Magnepan 2.7 spkrs. I can tell you with confidence that all 3 modules have similar characteristics:

- Very neutral, highly detailed and natural sounding from top to bottom with no added flavoring but also without harshness which allows you to tailor the sound to your preference; very neutral when paired with a neutral solid-state preamp or some flavoring with a tube preamp.  

-Virtually zero background noise so music sounds like it's emerging from a dead quiet blackness.

-Very good dynamic range that, paired with the quiet background, creates that 'in the room' soundstage that portrays a sense of listening to live music.  This can actually be a bit stunning on well recorded source content for both music and ht.

-Seemingly effortless power, coupled with extremely low distortion, that is able to maintain a solid and stable sounstage illusion no matter what the volume setting.

     
     The above is what I think you can expect from the B&O Ice ASX module you asked about.   I've only heard the previous B&O ASP module  Ice amp that I think is in my Emerald Physics amp.  The ASX module is a more recent module that I read has an even more extended top end.

  Please let us know your results once you're done,

Tim 


     

guidocorona,

     Hello, my friend.  I'm glad you found this thread and decided to contribute your thoughts.

     I know you're very knowledgeable about class D amplification and I'm grateful for all the assistance you gave me when I was just beginning my discovery of, and journey into,  the very promising iworld of this constantly evolving technology.   You were instrumental in my decision to continue exploring the numerous class D offerings and increase my own knowledge and experience by trying more of the various class D implementations in my own system.  Reading descriptions of how they perform and sound  has been helpful, however, I think there's no better method than actually auditioning them in your own system.

     I agree completely with your recent post stating that there's more than just the specific class D power module utilized that determines how well the amp performs.  Individual implementations vary on the quality and compatibility of complementay components, the type of power supply, the use of custom input stages among other design factors.  I agree these are important and would suggest that seanheis 1 may want to do some more research before designing and building his DIY amp.  I know www.audiocircle.com   may be a better site to learn from other DIY amp builders than Audiogon.  

     I originally was planning to build a DIY class D amp and I learned a lot of good onfo on this site that mainly consists of DIY amp builders.

Thanks Guido,
     Tim

seanheis 1,

    Sorry the Ice amp didn't work out for you.  Like many have mentioned, class D amps are very neutral and add nothing to the source signal.  I own 3 and they all have that quality.

     With my 1st (CassD Audio SDS-440-SC), I paired it with a VTL preamp with NOS Mullard tubes that warmed things up more to my preference at the time.  Over time, however, my taste has changed and I now prefer my music detailed and unadorned.  I sold the VTL to a friend about a year ago and, surprisingly, I haven't missed it.   On the plus side, my system is now so quiet and neutral that I can easily notice any upstream changes, including cabling and power chords.

  But I understand everyone has their own sound preferences and I think you now at least better know your own.

     If I was aware you preferred a warm sound, I would have advised against a class D amp unless you wanted to use a good tube preamp.

Wish you the best,
   Tim