[macnewma]

I just recently sold my Odyssey Stratos to replace it with a new "digital" amp. I am attracted to the low heat, low current, and small footprint in addition to the great sound of the new "digital" amps.  I have narrowed my purchase down to these two amps, the HCA-2 and the ZR1000/ZR1600. I could get a used HCA-2 for about $1100. I could get a new ZR1000/ZR1600 for about $700-800.

Are they very similar in sound? Would you say they are at least in the same class? Is the HCA-2 worth the extra $300?

Has anyone modded their ZR1000/ZR1600? Would $300 in mods (ModWright, et al.) make the ZR1000/ZR1600 surpass the HCA-2?

Here is my current system:

Pioneer DV45a
Sonic Frontiers Line 1
--insert amp here--
Dynaudio Contour 1.1 (thinking about switching to VMPS or Von Schweikert)

I like a pretty simple 2channel system and I listen to a very wide variety of music. My favorites are Rock, Prog Rock, Jazz, Electronica, Ambient, Reggae, Classical, and Latin.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Thanks,
Max  

[Marbles]

You should be able to listen to Klaus's new digital amp in the VERY near future.

I'm expecting him to mention something about his new prototype when he comes back from the Montreal show.

Since you would be able to listen to this in person before you buy, it might be one for your shortlist.

[macnewma]

Marbles-

I did notice that Klaus has some digital amps coming out.  I saw he quoted a price of $1500.  That is a little more than I wanted to spend.  I am sure they are sweet amps if they are from Klaus.  I also don't want to wait.

I guess, the worst case, I could resell whatever I buy if I listen to Klaus's Digitals and they best whichever amp I buy.

Thanks for the advice.

Anyone experienced with the HCA-2 or ZRs?

Max

[RussKon]

i have used the ZR1000 since last october powering my klipsch KLF-30's (very efficient - 102db @ 1watt @ 1meter).....

this is simply the best amp that i have ever tried in my system.... super low noise floor, crystal clear sound at any volume level, and awesome bass..... other solid state amps that i tried with my speakers tended to cause ear fatigue at louder levels..... i even used a tube amp for awhile until it started developing problems.... the ZR1000 sounds better and more accurate than that tube amp and is without the hassle and upkeep necessary with tube amps....

the only thing i did to change it from stock was to disconnect the fan..... (carver pro tech services said that it would lower the max output from 225 watts to about 200 - 210 watts per channel....)

highly recommend!

 

[Rob Babcock]

8th Nerve has a mod package that's pretty reasonably priced- those who've heard it have commented here that the sound is stellar.

Also, unless I misunderstand him, I think Klaus said his new amp won't be digital in the Tripath/ICEpower sense.  Seems he said he didn't really feel it was the way to go for him.  You might want to get some clarification there.

I'm pretty interested in the Embla and Flying Mole amps, too.  They're both in the same general price range.

If you can stand dealing with the guy, I see that Peter of AV Reality has the new ICE digital amps for about $1k...  

[Marbles]

If you can stand dealing with the guy, I see that Peter of AV Reality has the new ICE digital amps for about $1k...  
 ...

Wait a few minutes, that price will change