jrdg concerto vs nuforce 9.02

The Concerto uses the ICE power amp modules, so it's more than just a normal evolution from the Concentra. I have the Rowland Concerto pre with the 201 monoblocks, which is effectively the Concerto intergrated. But have not heard the Concentra pre. I did listen to the Nuforce 8's vs. my Rowland 201s and preferred the Rowland. But the 9 may be a different story.

Bxxxb,

I have heard the Concerto, but not in my own system, so it is very hard to compare to my Concentra. I did do some research before buying my Concentra, and (predictably) found differing opinions. The people at JRDG believe that the Concerto is a big step forward, but of course (with due respect) they need to sell the new version in order to make money. Some of those who have heard both (including a couple of dealers with whom I spoke) don't believe that the sonic differences are great, and a couple actually preferred the sound of the earlier (Concentra) models.

Two things are certain: the Concerto is smaller and runs cooler (using "Ice Power" chips) than the Concentra.

I, like most other Concentra owners, am so happy with the amp that I simply can't imagine there being enough of a sonic difference to justify the added expenditure.

Tony

Jp1208,

Lean sounding usually has nothing to do with bass heft or extension. It is associated more with the midrange and midbass where instruments and vocals lack body and fullness. Most SS amps excel at bass, but it's the crucial midrange where music lives that tubes have it all over them. So having bass that "goes right through you", doesn't really mean anything at all in this context....

Oz

Ozzy62,
bulls-eye!

@Bombaywalla
ha, ha...can you explain?