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Wyred 4 sound vs Red Dragon digital mono blocks??

Wyred 4 Sound has issued its new ST500MKII digital mono blocks How much different(or better) can they sound than the Red Dragon M-500 digital mono blocks. I have the Red Dragon M-500 with the Acoustic Zen Adagios, and a Bel Canto PRe3 pre-amp and the sound is very good.

So why mess with a good thing?? Because I am like many 'philes curious if I can get "even" better sound with the Wyred for Sound digital mono blocks. Both the W4S and RD's use the same ICE circuitry. However, this may be just a sideway move with marginal to no improvement in sound.

I have read and been advised that the Bel Canto REF M-500MKII would be an aubible upgrade in sound over both. especially in terms of smoother highs, tighter bass, possibly greater sense musicality, The BC REF 500 II are $5000 new and about $2700-2900 used and with a lucky deal.

If I can find just a 150-200RMS stereo amp that will possibly outperform all three, I would seriously consider that over monoblocks. But, I fear that is going to be at the upper end of the PASS, Lamm, or Modwright line of amps or possibly Krell.

The other option which has been highly recommended is upgrade a McCormack DNA 0.5 or DNA-1 to the Rev-A level. Would appreciate input from members who have or had one or two of the amps, or all of them at one or another. What might be the best option considering the basic frame of my system. Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim
smholl
190 posts
 
Sunnyjim - Why are these "digital" mono blocks?
magfan
1,583 posts
 
People mistake the class name, 'd' with 'digital'. The class name, 'd' was really just the next letter to come along.

People also may mistake the output on/off state at some high frequency with 'digital'.

I spite of everyone talking about 'huge differences' I'd maintain that most ICE amps are of similar flavor with perhaps only a minor seasoning difference.

I own a PSAudio integrated which is a cosmetic twin of the same amp with the W4S label.
face
516 posts
 
Magfan, there are more than minor difference between early Class D and recent Class D amps, the early ones are awful in comparison.

Your PSAudio integrated also has an input buffer and modified ICE modules?
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Input is handled thru the 'GainCell'......whatever that really is.
Even has a pair of balanced ins.

As for 'modified' modules? I don't think so. But, don't forget that ASP modules include a SMPS which while you can 'modify' it, that would usually consist of a few extra cosmetic caps.
Perhaps adding some heat sink would help the long-term hi power output, which in ASP modules is severely time limited. Continuous power is substantially below the RMS rating. I believe ALL 'd' amps can be helped by extra heat sinking. The exception would be amps which already have such extra heatsinks. Maybe Spectron or a few others.

Is the ASP early? Late? Middle of road?

My sameness remark is aimed exclusively at ICE modules in general. To expect drastic differences between essentially identically moduled amps is a bit of a stretch..at least to me.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thanks to everyone who responded, especially Magfall for clarifying "digital" from class "D" Thanks to Swanny for the BC reference M1000 tip, but that is more than I can spend.

I will try to find a McCormack DNA 0.5 deluxe(100RMS) and have it upgraded to a REV B which is $575 on SMc current price sheet; upgraded to the REV A is $1000. Is it worth the extra $425?? Let me know if you have made these upgrades to the same amp. My other concern is the .05's power after the upgrades Jim
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