Ar t, Oh if that were to be true. Actually, module powered amps do not sound so alike that a consumer should just ignore the benefits of superior construction. |
The ICE powered H2O is made in America. Check out it's 6Moons review, and notice how it compares with the Jjaz.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/h2o/m250.html |
All of the above, except the H2O, utilize the digital power supplied ICE module. There is little to differentiate these models other than their box. I think the Jjaz is the coolest looking, with Rowland taking a close second.
The Nuforce is a different kind of switching amp. I know someone who is testing it against others.
If you can, try the amps you are interested in. There are H2O loaners available. |
Tvad, "supplied" should read supply.
The H2O is the only one of the bunch that uses the B&O 500A module. All the others use the 500ASP, or 1000ASP. The 500A requires a good analog power supply, or an in house digital supply. I believe that is what Rowland does with it's 302.
The ASP amps are ready to put in a box, and terminate. They are giving birth to an array of module in a box amps. CIAudio goes one better through beefing up the digital power supply.
The H2Os transformer and caps are big enough to power a decent Class A solid state. |
Eldartford, have you read the review? It compares the H2O with one of the ASP amps, the Jjaz. They are good. Just not as good, to the reviewer's ear, as the H2O. You can fortify the ASP, but it is still a digital power supply.
I don't want to put the ASP amps down. They really are good, and they are a viable low cost solution, that will delight a lot of people. Still, I think you should borrow an H2O from Henry.
Don't ask me why, but the transformer Henry uses costs hundreds of dollars alone. The case, made in the USA, cost another big chunk. Circuit boards, modules, LABOR, boxing..... it's worth the extra grand.
As to why? You can read for yourself from the review. Otherwise, it would be good to talk to Henry.
|
AR T I have never sold a new amp in my life. You may have sold a lot of AB amps. I have heard a great deal more brands than you've sold. I have also heard a variety of module powered amps. They certainly do NOT stand on equal ground.
I haven't heard any of your amps. Of all the digital, and quasi "digital" amps, I have heard, not one can entice me away from my H2O Signature monos. |
AR T, Sorry about getting testy. If I misread your intentions, you have my apologies. All I can say, is the listeners at my place, and other places, where we have tested a wide array of amps over time, it has been the differences in the new module powered amps, H2O, TacT, Evo, eAR, and others, that have elicited the most starting reactions. Various Pass, Classe, Krell, Plinius, Mark Levinson, to name some, have not been as easy to tell apart.
Can you explain why the ICE 500A module needs 3 power supplies? I would like to see your product line. Can you direct us to your web site? Thank you. |
Mr. Bill,
Linn makes fan cooled AB amps. That is not what we are talking about. A far cry from it, I would say.
JR makes fine, very expensive, digital power supplied ICE amps. Before you can say they are the equal of the H2O, with it's big analog power supply, then you would have to hear both on the same system. I know of one fellow who has, and he owns H2O Signatures now. |
Eldartford - you asked about why a large analog power supply might be beneficial, when a module is so efficient. An electronics engineer has explained it to me this way.
The module must be fed energy on demand. Digital switching is one way of going about it. By it's very nature, some noise is introduced into the signal. Some may argue the noise is insignificant. Others can clearly hear it.
An Analog power supply, that has substantial amounts of capacitance, acts as a relatively clean energy supply, that is always present. That energy can be drawn upon by the module without switching noise.
Another benefit of a high capacitor storage analog power supply is it absorbs the ripple effect caused my AC/DC rectification. |
Audiofankj
So are the pitfalls of a public forum. One might be talking one on one, but all can read. What I have been doing here is dueling with a respectable manufacturer on comparative amp topologies. I hate the idea I have to shut up when I am having so much fun. |
Ar t You still seem to be arguing your first point here. That is, given there is little difference between modular amps, the buyer should base their purchasing decision on, "Price, looks, support, features, and comfort level with the company that you chose to buy from will most likely be what your decision is based on."
I, and anyone who has heard a variety of those amps on my system, disagree. Their is a sonic hierarchy, just like with solid state and tube amps. One should buy the best sounding amp within their budget. That doesn't mean necessarily the most expensive one.
I'd say, if a buyer can, he should listen to his prospective purchase on his own system.
If you want, you can send one of your amps here for a group listen. There are a good number of good ears here, including one reviewer. |
I agree, Tvad, except for the similarities. We are talking about amps here. They should be judged on how they sound.
They say you can tell an amp by the company it keeps.
FYI: The H2O Signature has been reviewed by 6Moons, and it has replaced admired conventional and module driven amps in home systems, including VTL225, Rogue 120, ARC VT1011, Pass X600, MC-2000, TacT 2150, eAR, Threshold S500 MKII, Music Reference RM9, Edge, Cary V12 etc. etc. etc. |
I know, I am repeating myself through various threads, but you guys should remember, there are always lots of new viewers with every "digital" thread. I would love to leave comments to others, but, despite the expanding numbers of comrades in Henry's amps growing, his amps go with no mention, save for mine. I have left the commenting alone, when others step in. |
