power amplifiers with ICEpower module


Hi guys, what do you think of the new breed of "digital" amplifiers with the ICEpower modules, I mean sonically. My initial thoughts are neither positive nor negative. I think ICEpowered amplifiers are very clean sonically (very low distortion and coloration), but at the same time they are also a bit cool and lean sounding to me. My current reference is a rather low powered (50 W) class-A Accuphase amplifier.
dazzdax

Showing 4 responses by muralman1

Essentialaudio, to answer your question, no. What's more, I am not the only guy who has posted wonderment about the H2O on the net. In fact, my praise pales in the light of other owner reviewer's prose.

You, or anyone, are invited to my place for a listen.

I can't vouch for the speakers, Analysis full range dipoles, H2O amps will be driving, but I am willing to stick out my head a little bit, and dub them, "Best of Show," at the next HE Show in NY.
Dazzdaz, which ICE amp have you listened to? I own H2O Signatures. They don't sound anything. They are the closest amp I have ever heard that bring my system closer to a real performance in my listening room. If you like dynamics, serious detail, and liquidity, the H2O offers all.
Essentialaudio, apparently you haven't heard the H2O, or your opinion might differ. My H2O amps outdo my former $16,000 solid state amps in life, dynamics, and immediacy. As to weight, that is a debatable attribute. I know a fellow who auditioned Rowland 201, 301, and 501 Rowland amps in his system before he decided on getting the H2O Signature monoblocks.
Dazzdax, the ICE module's sound can be attenuated by skilled amp builders to sound just about like anything. I have never heard two sounding the same.

You made a valid point. ICE amps always divulge a lot of disc info that all solid state amps I've heard mask, or roll over with non THD noise. A more detailed passage will not have that manufactured, "Body," folks are use to.