Yet another high-end class D amp

[blackraven]

When I look at what is inside a digital amp and how little they actually weigh, you have to wonder about the cost. For example, the Nuforce Model 9 mono blocks weigh just a few pounds an they cost $5K a pair. I understand about research and development costs but I bet the profit on that is 60-75%. Years ago I worked for a electronics firm that made the computers that do all the graphic's for TV and I saw the mark up on the parts. In some cases it was 1000%.

And looking at all those fancy cases for the digital amps posted in the pictures of this thread, I would have to say that that is a large portion of the cost. In talking with Frank Van Alstine about his new cases for his new FET Valve gear. He raised the cost $500 for the new silver cases from the old black cases. And the new ones are not that fancy!

[Feanor]

When I look at what is inside a digital amp and how little they actually weigh, you have to wonder about the cost. For example, the Nuforce Model 9 mono blocks weigh just a few pounds an they cost $5K a pair. I understand about research and development costs but I bet the profit on that is 60-75%. Years ago I worked for a electronics firm that made the computers that do all the graphic's for TV and I saw the mark up on the parts. In some cases it was 1000%.

And looking at all those fancy cases for the digital amps posted in the pictures of this thread, I would have to say that that is a large portion of the cost. In talking with Frank Van Alstine about his new cases for his new FET Valve gear. He raised the cost $500 for the new silver cases from the old black cases. And the new ones are not that fancy!

Speaking of mark-up, Frank is a crotchety old guy but he's not stupid. I think Frank feels his equipment has long been a bit under priced relative to competition, (i.e. domestic makers). He feels that the new face plates are good excused to raise prices We established in earlier thread that fancy custom face plates could be purchased by OEMs for about $50.

[frenchmon]

I sat and listened to these for a few hours....Bel Canto REF500M Digital Mono Amplifier at my dealers house. 250 watts each.



They where driving the Bel Canto DAC 3.5 VB MKll



With the Bel Canto VBS1 Power Supply



And it was connected to a Apple imac with an external hard drive used as his digital music server with what seemed like goo-gobbs of musical selections.



And the speakers where Golden Ear Triton Towers



Now I've listened to this system before, but have never really sat and did some critical listening for such an extended period. Well this time I have a very favorable impression of the speakers. I had already been sold on the Bel Canto and may get one of their DAC's but the speakers really shined this time after really listening to them.

Oh and the Digital amps??? Unbelievable.