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"This Latest Digital Amp Is Great "

I see this so often. I wish it would happen.
I really think the builders of these amps shoot themselves in the foot, by rushing to market.
How many of these "Last Word In Digital" amps come out, get great press, then start down the modkateer path for hundreds of dollars in improvements.
These things are supposed to be simpler, sound as good or better than all the best analog amps, and be cheaper.
It hasn't happenned!
I understand the concept of building to a price point.
I don't think anyone has come close, except PS Audio, with the HCA-2. They are a bargain here used, in my opinion.
All the rest are overpriced.
I'm still waiting. It'll finally cool off here in Phoenix soon, and my Cary CAD 300 SEI will glow & those 15 watts of 300B will still rule my audio world.
danielk141

Showing 2 responses by danielk141

danielk141 OP
489 posts
 
I've owned the Acoustic Reality, with the ICE module.
It sounded good to me, but I hated that ridiculous triangle where all cables were stuffed.
I auditioned an Adcom HCA-2, it definitely seemed much more polished of a design than the A.R.....
I seem to like the sound of the digital amps that use a conventional toriodal transformer. I believe they are less susceptable to AC line noise, (and cause less line noise).
I bought a Sonic Impact amp, I just haven't made it to Radio Shack for the required adapters needed to try the amp out.
I am partial to MOSFET amps. I prefer a musical sound over the deep base of the various Bipolar output amps.
If a digital amp comes out that sounds like a 300B SET, I'll buy it. So far, nothing comes close.
danielk141 OP
489 posts
 
Boa2,

I've heard the Flying Moles. I just can't believe they still go for $700.00 a pair. They can't cost very much to make.......
I tried a friends Spectron in my house on Watt/Puppy 5.1s
with Transparent Cable & a Theta Gen Va. It sounded better than many conventional amps. Unfortunately, it was already superseded in the line by the time I auditioned it.
I've followed the threads here & I'd like to hear the H2O amps. Anything that can drive an Apogee Scintilla is serious in my book. There just isn't anyone in the Phoenix area that carries them for audition. Ditto for the Nuforce.
I don't see myself as dismissing the whole sector of digital amps - there will probably be a couple more coming to market (and press) this week.
I do listen to the seasoned audiophiles here. Many have posted there systems & I am familiar with the popular amps & other gear they reference. When someone says a digital amp sounds better than their X600s, I'm interested. And if
that amp can be heard locally, I'll be there.
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