I’m the owner of
modern sounds, a new on-line audio store dedicated to the computer audiophile and leading edge audio technologies. We recently launched our web store on December 12, 2014.
We currently have two installations using the Reference 20 amplifiers. Our clients are using statement speakers on a pure digital system with really remarkable results. The Reference 20 has no flaws of any kind, that any of us can detect. None of us can remember ever listing to an audio component where we didn't have a comment to make about the sound. It has been days now and not one client has come forth with anything at all. They just sound utterly realistic in the reproduction of music, regardless of type. That is truly remarkable given that these particular audiophiles have been listening for decades. They have all had analog and tube based audio systems in the past and have recently switched to something new and higher performing for less money.
All enjoy pure digital, high-resolution audio systems employing statement grade speakers. One client is using a truly spectacular pair of Tannoy Churchill speakers and the results are so impressive that members of his own audio groups are starting to enquire about purchasing a pair of Reference 20 amplifiers for themselves. They are replacing Cary tube amplifiers, Wyetech Labs tube amplifiers and other reference tube amplifiers costing significantly more. They all marvel at the sound quality coming from something that is not based in tube technology - something that until recently, they believed was necessary to achieve the absolute sound. Without exception they prefer the NuForce class D amplifiers and some are on record stating that once you have heard the Reference 20, the tube amplifiers they were using, simply sound broken by comparison. In reality, the tone of the tubes interfered with the sound of the music they were trying to enjoy. Guitar players use tubes for tone. Why do audiophiles use tubes? It can't be for the tone because that would interfere with the music would it not? Only in the absence of tubes and only by comparing the sound to these amplifiers would you know what you have been missing all along.
The
modern sounds reference system uses the NuForce Reference 20 amplifiers to power a pair of Sound Lab A-1PX electrostatic loudspeakers. These amplifiers recently replaced reference edition OTL tube amplification costing over five and a half times more. They sound far superior with greater frequency extension, absolutely zero noise and the most realistic reproduction of the musical event that I have ever encountered. The Sound Lab electronics are currently at Sound Lab for an upgrade but I will certainly look forward to their return when I can truly enjoy the music reproduced by them as powered by the Reference 20 amplifiers.
The system DAC is a Weiss DAC-1 Mk3 FW and I am now very curious about the sound of the DAC-10 from NuPrime Audio. One client is currently using the DAC-10 as the front end to his Reference 20 based system and the preliminary results are quite promising. It's a well designed and well built, solid unit and as an architect, I find the industrial design of all of these components to be simple, sleek and modern in appearance.
For more information on the NuForce Reference 20 and other NuPrime Audio products please visit our web site at -
http://www.modernsounds.com/collections/nuforce/products/nuforce-reference-20
