Now that I’ve purchased and am quite happy with the kef LS 50s, I’m again considering an amp or integrated. I’ve read all the recommendations and am also considering class D or the new ice 1200as module amps. Rich raves about his custom made unit and I’ve looked at the Nord website and also Bellissimo, Apollon, Rouge and Mivera.
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/products
https://www.apollonaudio.com/apollon-audio-as1200-class-d-ice-power-based-amplifier/
https://www.rougeaudiodesign.com/1200as-en
https://www.miveraaudio.com/product-page/purepower-standard-icepower-1200as2-2-channel-amp
https://www.facebook.com/BellissimoAudio/posts/392672937831624
So there are lots of choices and the icepower amps are very reasonably priced. I’m looking for an integrated icepower amp, but haven’t looked at the sites closely enough and haven’t found anything via a search. Seems the ideal combination would be an icepower 1200as would a tube pre in ine chassis.
It would be interesting to know the differences in these amps vs Rich’s tweaked ice 1200.
Nick
nick,
i did some investigation, as i followed the initial mivera thread, as i was interested when at ~$800 for a kit. and, i'd have been interested in the full-monty mods - if the original case was still offered in that configuration in kit form, which would have kept the costs down. but for $1500 for the standard build in a fancy case, and $1800 for the mods in the fancy case, i lost interest. even if it's still a bargain, relative to other "name" offerings. because i know if the performance is really there, like everything else, the price will be even less than the initial $800 in short order. because it's apparent that there's really not much to these amps:
and, it's not like i'm lacking in the amp department presently.
anyway, i've had some back-n-forth w/jared from bellissimo, and initial feedback is he'd do a full-monty build, like mivera's, but in a standard case, for $1300 shipped. considering mivera will cost another ~$100 for shipping, that may be something worth considering.
doug s.
Doug,
Thanks for your investigation and input on the 1200as amps. I’m intrigued with these new icepower models and I might soon be able to get my hands on a stereo amp with the Furutech rhodium goodies....and for a darn good price.....at least imho. It was built when the modules were available for diy. So I look forward to that opportunity if it arises.
Now, if that doesn’t pan out, then I have the list of recommendations and will pursue some of those and others.
I must say I’ve been following the Mivera threads and all the changes along the way. I’ve also been fascinated with Mikes work on his dac which will be similar to the MSB Select which retails for $90,000. I’ll likely start a thread on that shortly.
Now, my beautifully thought out sub first, then amp/integrated next strategy has been turned upside down because Emil offered his Border Patrol SE coax version for sale yesterday....and I bought it!
I’ve wanted to try the BP SE version for quite some time and the price was pretty good. So next Monday, it’ll be here and it’s either the Antelope or the Border Patrol.
Now as to the sub situation, Enrico from Rythmik subs has answered a couple of my emails about their subs and also recommended their LS 22, which is a dual driver 98 lb beast. I explained that my intent was not centered on filling the entire 15x29 room with thunderous bass, just my listening environment 11’ from the speakers. I’ll be in touch with him again tomorrow.
Finally, I recently saw a Melos 333 for sale....maybe $1,300. But it’s a two chassis, would cost a lot to upgrade to Porzilli’s latest and I don’t have an unlimited bank account.
Nick