[Nick B]

Hello    Am new to this forum, but have been an avid audio enthusiast for nearly 20 years. I have followed the posts regarding the NuForce, CIA and now DIY amps. All seem like a bargain compared to what I paid for gear over the years. Would appreciate opinions regarding sound and build quality of the 3 amps I mentioned. The pricing on the DIY is very tempting and price is a great consideration ever since I've been married. I basically use a passive preamp from Audience with a modded CD player and 4 ohm speakers from Zalytron with a Focal titanium tweeter and Focal 7" drivers. Thanks

[Nick B]

Well, maybe next time...thanks anyway.

[Rocket]

Hi Nick,

I thought i'd better reply to your post as i know what its like when i don't get an answer   .

I have heard the nuforce amplifier and i can say that it definitely sounds better than my ps audio hca - 2 which supposedly was a class a stereophile recommendation (it sounds crap without modifications).

I haven't heard the ci amplifier but it is receiving glowing reviews.  Both the ci and nuforce amplifiers are similiarly priced.  i had a diy amplifier and in my opinion it would be better to go with these two choices.

Interestingly, i have imported a zalytron speaker kit called the phenomenal.  Hopefully it will be finished in the next couple of months.  My current speakers utilise the raven 1 ribbon tweeter and 2 x 7inch (7k4211db) mid/bass drivers in an mtm configuration.  I really like focal products.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Rod

[woodsyi]

Hello, Nick

I don't think anyone was intentionally ignoring your question.  I would presume to guess that no one has had a chance to really compare even two let alone all three in person. They each have had postive feedbacks from those who have tried them.  I have a pair of ICE power amp (eAR 1001) that I use to drive woofers.  They have been tremendous at this specific job.  I also signed up for the UdC 400 amp project to build a stereo amp.  Class D amps certianly seem to offer much bang for the buck and I, like you, want more information on how they do with different types of drivers and upstream equipment.  I think you just have to be patient to get feedbacks as more and more posters try them and report back.  I think someone is comparing Nuforce and CI even as I write.  You can certainly try a UcD project and hear for yourself at a very reasonable price, especially if you do the assembly.  By the way, welcome to AC.

[Bemopti123]

My experience with Digital amplification is at most, limited to a all in one box solution, a Sharp SD-EX111, which outputs 20 watts per channel.

I own different, or rather traditional amps with differing designs, Op Chip SS low power, SET tubed, large SS, Op Chip monos.  The digital all in one has the finesse of the best and I was astonished at the control it provides in the lows, with a speaker system that supposedly enjoys current and also power.

If my experience is a sample of what digital is all about, I am sure that larger powered digitals will be very decent.  One thing that I have a qualm about large powered digital amplification is their inability of running tough, current hungry loads (some manufacturers are responsable of this with their rather large 8 ohm RMS rating....500 watts etc.....) I wonder if a stereo or monoblock digital 500 watts can compare with regular SS heavy weights as Krell, McCormack or Aragon.  

Although digital has been around for at least 5 years, for what my memory recalls, I think there are better things that will be coming around, 5 years a baby steps in the question of technology maturing or being pushed to the limit.  

Take it all in context....in case of digital you might get more than what you paid for, in the good and also in the questionable sense.

[minimalistic]

Hi Nick,

I went from a PS Audio HCA-2 to a Nuforce Reference 8B, the PS Audio amplifier was previously the best amplifier I have used and gave very good results in my system, which is very simple, being a Wadia 830 direct into the power amps going to single drive unit Carolina Audio JTM/2 speakers.

However the NuForce is a lot better in every way, it's very open and natural sounding with superb imaging and control. The build quality is very good, there's nothing showy about the amps but they are very well executed, more like a piece of computer hardware in a way, light, simple and just dedicated to the task in hand.

I'm very pleased with mine and the attention to detail and response from the team at NuForce is superb - they are a young company with innovative ideas and a great attitude.

I live in the UK and bought mine directly from NuForce (before they had UK distribution). Two big advantages are the intelligent power supply which operates on a wide range of voltages (no need to modify for different markets) and the light weight (3lb each) which makes shipping more economical.

They're definitely worth a look!

Cheers

Minimalistic

[WerTicus]

i have the reference 8b from nuforce also,  with the very latest modifications to the design (its still evolving)

Very pleased with the sound, certainly the best i have heard, the only other digital amp i have heard is the bel canto and the nuforce is far better in all aspects of the sound imo.

[Nick B]

Thanks to all for the replies. They are all very helpful and I'll continue to look for posts on class d amps. I'm not in a position to audition lots of different equipment like in the old days. I also need to get the best bang for the buck. I've had my old solid state amp for 10 years, so it's time for a change. Had Mojeski RM 9 and VAC PA 90 tubes before that and am done with tube gear. Seems like the NuForce or CIA might be the way to go and the price is right. So I'll keep watching the posts and audition something in a couple of months after I upgrade the Alps pot on my preamp.