So – this is NOT an integrated amp, but in case their same technology is in their integrated amps...
I’m curious about this because it’s a brand most audiophiles would think are mid-fi. But sometimes there are hi-fi products which just defy the median performance of the rest of the brand.
Enter, possibly, NAD. I just saw a nice review of the NAD:
"The NAD C 298 is a transparent, uncolored, powerful stereo power amplifier. It can easily drive most speakers to levels that exceed domestic tranquility. A bridged pair extends the power capability further still. The NAD C 298 challenges more expensive amps and should impress discerning listeners regardless of budget."
This is not an integrated but cost $4300 and I use it in my office system with Magnepan Mini’s. The amp is a beast and sounds really good. The weakest link in the system is the preamp, but it is not too shabby. The DAC in this package is supposed to be great and maybe better sounding than the more expensive DACs from the same guys. I have the more expensive MIB DAC instead of the cheaper (likely better) DAC included in the package.
I’d get any Hegel over a nad. If had a few hegels, a rogue Cronus magnum with kt120’s, Classe, Jolida, Auralic, ps audio, and a couple of McIntosh 6500 and 6900.
Not sure why you are specific on a class d or ice amp.
You didn’t mention speakers it would be paired with, but I’m assuming the Fyne 1-8S from previous thread? If so, I’d be careful with a hypex/class d - my understanding is they’re optimized for 4 ohm speakers, and your Fynes are efficient (91 db) 8 ohm speakers. Even apart from that, I also wonder why class d, particularly when you don’t need massive power to drive those speakers?
The Axxess Forté series of integrateds are the best implementation of Class D I have encountered, both integrateds and separates. I suspect that’s because their distortion profile is 2nd order dominant, with all higher orders being inaudible. They are rated at 100 WpC, but actual output is approximately 170 watts into 8 ohms and 250 watts into 4. The onboard DACs are stellar too.
Dual mono design, incredible grip and bass on my ProAc studio 148 slim towers, very mids and highs also. I got the optional DA100 DAC board that also sounds great. Very clean design with 120w 8ohms / 200w 4ohms, a clean remote plus one of the very, very few integrated amps that have a switchable tape loop. It bettered my Audio Refinement separates (for sale, designed by YBA).
I would stay away from previous versions of the IN200 (non-evo models) as they were not as well as reviewed given the IN200 evo was made to very close specs and techniques used in the very well reviewed IN300 by A British Audiophile here:
Sansui AU-919 is by far one of my favorite Integrated amps. Don’t tell me about amps that ARE NOT integrated amps. I have plenty of pieces in my collection that fall below $5k, NAD , Audionics, Audire, Phase Linear and more. The AU-919 is one of the most understated integrated amps ever. Slew rate, rise time, band width and more, very few amps have approached the performance of Sansui’s 1990’s standards.
Tight, dynamic, solid and quiet. From silence to dramatic and from distance to presence, very few pieces I’ve heard can match this performance level. Does it drive a 4 ohm load like my Marantz PM-500DC? (another fav) No, but it will shake the neighbors dishes when the 1812 overture cannons fire.
NOT ICE/Hypex but a unique & wonderful Class D from Merus Infineon,the $1500.00 Creek 4040a... “The 40th anniversary 4040 A integrated amplifier will suit the most demanding applications. Whether used in a domestic audio or desktop system, the feature-rich 4040 A is simple to use, yet luxurious in operation. Created to provide a totally immersive high-end experience”
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