My adventures in stereo
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- Feb 9, 2022
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Hi
I am a long term lurker here and have picked up most of my current gear based on the ASR reviews and discussions.
Just wanted to say thanks and return the favor, by posting a subjective review of the above 2 class D poweramps.
So here goes:
Ever since using the Nu Prime ST- 10 Power amplifier, I was smitten by class D
Wanted the added headroom, of monoblocs
Finding the Nu Prime ST 10-M, monoblocs, difficult to source
I searched the net and as per recommendation, on audiosciencereview.com forums
The purifi Monoblocs from audiofonics, fit the bill nicely
Having double the power, 400 Watts at 4 Ohms, and 180 Watts at 8 Ohms
Very responsive customer service, I kept them busy with lots of queries
The amps came in some recycled material, in a simple cardboard box, well cushioned
They arrived safely in the unorthodox packaging.
They are no frills, well-constructed amps, with RCA and XLR inputs, a 12 V trigger
Light weight and cool running, with some cool blue lights inside and a white ring light on the power button, matching my RME dac.
I enjoyed them, with my Revel M106 bookshelf speakers and SVS dual PB 2000 Pro subs.
Loved the neutral sound, Produced by this combo, non-fatiguing, no harshness in the treble.
Headroom wise, I felt, I could do with a bit more of power.
My Parasound P6 Preamp was mostly functioning at 72 – 76 on the volume levels,
to achieve 80- 85 db listening levels.
I compared it with my nu prime and felt, the ST 10 had the advantage, in terms of power.
I moved the audiofonics to my desktop system, mated with a RME A2D FS, as the pre and that is a wonderful combo. I discussed the issue with a friend, who is in the class A camp.
He suggested the NAD C298, also with the Purifi module, which I already liked.
On paper, the NAD & the audiofonics, had the same eigentakt purifi module and similar power specs
Was worried about it being just an expensive side grade.
My prior experience with NAD was with a Stereo Integrated 326 BEE, which was very conservatively rated at 50 W. I did my due diligence online, and pouring through the 38 pages on topic in ASR.As I had no access locally, for a in person demo, decided to take a calculated gamble and ordered one.
After the lightweight, tiny class D monoblocs, I had previously used
I was surprised at the size and weight of the NAD C298.
The box was as big, as the one my Parasound Halo A23 (Class AB), came in
It was well packaged, with a sturdy cardboard outer cover and foam blocs, holding the amp.
It felt nearly as heavy as the Class AB amps , that I was exposed to.
Setting it up was simple, gave it a listen with a mofi SACD, which had been troubling me.
One of my favourite tracks, which I secured after a lot of searching, “ Eye in the Sky” from Allan Parsons. This track on SACD sounded very flat on the audiofonics, it came to life on the NAD
Better dynamics and instrument separation were immediately apparent.
The SACD came alive, my choice was vindicated.
I am a long term lurker here and have picked up most of my current gear based on the ASR reviews and discussions.
Just wanted to say thanks and return the favor, by posting a subjective review of the above 2 class D poweramps.
So here goes:
Ever since using the Nu Prime ST- 10 Power amplifier, I was smitten by class D
Wanted the added headroom, of monoblocs
Finding the Nu Prime ST 10-M, monoblocs, difficult to source
I searched the net and as per recommendation, on audiosciencereview.com forums
The purifi Monoblocs from audiofonics, fit the bill nicely
Having double the power, 400 Watts at 4 Ohms, and 180 Watts at 8 Ohms
Very responsive customer service, I kept them busy with lots of queries
The amps came in some recycled material, in a simple cardboard box, well cushioned
They arrived safely in the unorthodox packaging.
They are no frills, well-constructed amps, with RCA and XLR inputs, a 12 V trigger
Light weight and cool running, with some cool blue lights inside and a white ring light on the power button, matching my RME dac.
I enjoyed them, with my Revel M106 bookshelf speakers and SVS dual PB 2000 Pro subs.
Loved the neutral sound, Produced by this combo, non-fatiguing, no harshness in the treble.
Headroom wise, I felt, I could do with a bit more of power.
My Parasound P6 Preamp was mostly functioning at 72 – 76 on the volume levels,
to achieve 80- 85 db listening levels.
I compared it with my nu prime and felt, the ST 10 had the advantage, in terms of power.
I moved the audiofonics to my desktop system, mated with a RME A2D FS, as the pre and that is a wonderful combo. I discussed the issue with a friend, who is in the class A camp.
He suggested the NAD C298, also with the Purifi module, which I already liked.
On paper, the NAD & the audiofonics, had the same eigentakt purifi module and similar power specs
Was worried about it being just an expensive side grade.
My prior experience with NAD was with a Stereo Integrated 326 BEE, which was very conservatively rated at 50 W. I did my due diligence online, and pouring through the 38 pages on topic in ASR.As I had no access locally, for a in person demo, decided to take a calculated gamble and ordered one.
After the lightweight, tiny class D monoblocs, I had previously used
I was surprised at the size and weight of the NAD C298.
The box was as big, as the one my Parasound Halo A23 (Class AB), came in
It was well packaged, with a sturdy cardboard outer cover and foam blocs, holding the amp.
It felt nearly as heavy as the Class AB amps , that I was exposed to.
Setting it up was simple, gave it a listen with a mofi SACD, which had been troubling me.
One of my favourite tracks, which I secured after a lot of searching, “ Eye in the Sky” from Allan Parsons. This track on SACD sounded very flat on the audiofonics, it came to life on the NAD
Better dynamics and instrument separation were immediately apparent.
The SACD came alive, my choice was vindicated.
