[JeffB]

I stumbled across this today.
http://www.stereophile.com/amplificationreviews/253/

Sharp created a high-end $15000 digital amplifier back in 1999.
The same amplifier is still listed on their website here:
http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,s59,00.html

I can't find a current price tag on this unit or any information on how it compares to the Sharp SD-EX111.

Well, I just thought the information would be interesting.

[Feisal K]

I stumbled across this today.
http://www.stereophile.com/amplificationreviews/253/
I can't find a current price tag on this unit or any information on how it compares to the Sharp SD-EX111.
Well, I just thought the information would be interesting.

Jeff,

someone just sold one on Audiogon. there's some links he posted on an ad here (US$4.5K was his price)

[Vinnie R.]

http://www.sharpusa.com/products/TypeLanding/0,1056,s59,00.html

I can't find a current price tag on this unit or any information on how it compares to the Sharp SD-EX111.

Well, I just thought the information would be interesting.

Whoa!  I didn't know Sharp made a unit that costs $15K  

From looking at the specs on the webpage:

--Both units use the same A/D noise shaping implementation, ie, 7th Order Delta-Sigma modulation

--The SD-EX111 uses twice the sampling frequency (128 fs VS 64 fs, where fs = 44.1kHz) than the $15K unit

--The $15K unit has 100wpc, vs the EX111 is 20wpc

--Both units share the following spec: T.H.D. = 0.02% at 1kHz, 1W

--I believe the EX111 came out around 2003, while the $15K Sharp is older (1999).


While I have never heard the SM-SX100 ($15k unit), my guess is that back in 1999, it was a very new concept, but by 2003, the cost of this technology dropped down significantly.  The SX-100 is probably built better, has more features, etc, and I'd love to hear it  

Regards,

[Bemopti123]

The 100 cause ripples and raves when it came out back in 1999.  Most of all, Stereophile with its review was responsable for its publicity.  Afterwards, very few if any audiophiles have chosen it to become the heart of their main set ups.  Once in a while you will see units coming for sale, I saw one for about $3500 once in Audiogon.  Furthermore, I think they also had a companion CD transport or something.  The success of this Sharp was in doubt since the beginning because of its pricing, there was much competition from other Tripath based products just after the Sharp came out.  But, for what I remember the reviews stated that the Sharp and its sound was beyond much of the equipment that was available at the time.  

Hope that the 111 has the genes of the 100?  I think it might have some after almost 5 years.

[BrunoB]

Looks like you can still buy a new one today for $10K:
http://www.audiocubes2.com/brand/Sharp.html

Sharp is making also more powerful ones (for even more $) with higher switching frequencies (up to 11.2 MHz). See the link above.


Bruno

[TIC]

Yep, sure 'nuff, the Sharp digital amp introduced in 1999 @ $15,000 graced the cover of Stereophile and was on the recommended components list (I think it was a class-A Integrated).

When I saw ETR's post on Audio Central about the cheap Sharp all-in-one from Overstock.com, I went back to my 2000 Stereophile recommended components issue and "there it was"............

Enjoy,

TIC