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NCore vs. Ice -- single or separate cases

Hey guys,

I've recently gotten a bug that I can't shake. I went to sleep thinking about it last night.

I want to try out a class D amp.

I've narrowed my choices down to something based on either the NCore NC400 or the IcePower 125asx2.

If I went the way of the NC400, I'll be building them myself. If I went the way of the Ice, I may build it myself or just buy the assembled units. Either way, the NC400 builds will run about twice that of the Ice builds.

Is there anyone out there that can comment on which is better? If the answer is that the NC400 is better, is it worth twice the price?

My next question is whether I should build the mono units into separate boxes or a single box? In other words, is it better to use a longer interconnect with a short speaker cable or vice versa?

Thanks.
tonyangel

Showing 4 responses by timrhu

timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I have owned several ICE amps, including the Bel Canto S500 which uses two of the 125asx2 modules. That was the cleanest sounding amp I have ever owned; the proverbial straight wire with gain. Kind of left me cold I guess as I sold it after less than a year. Actually the reason I sold it was to try the Ref1000 monoblocs which didn't thrill me at all.
I have not heard the NCores but have read quite a few glowing testimonials here at AudioCi.rcle Be advised though, some of these folks are a bit over the top on their praise, IMHO.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Agree with you Doggie. Actually, should've stated I had one of the many clones of the Ref1000M.
I preferred the amps using the cheaper 200ASC modules to the 1000ASP versions. No accounting for taste.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I purchased one of Ghent's amps a couple years ago. No complaint for the price and he was easy to deal with. But I would concur with G's "matter of fact" assessment of the modules used in bare box. No comparison to the Bel Canto Ref500 amp with the modules.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
If you check the link I gave in my first response you may find a used amp for sale. Over the past few months I have seen 3 or 4 come up for sale at what looked to be a little less than the cost of parts. Gotta be quick though, as they go fast.
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