NHT power5 amp, Givin it some lovin - Page 17

I just can't figure out why these items are being discontinued by NHT. Both the NHT Power5 and NHT Controller got excellent reviews from Stereophile and I just discovered these in my search for a new preamp/amp combo. Only to find out they're being discontinued. Why?

Does this mean that all NHT Electronics are being discontinued or just the Power5 and Controller? I still see the Power2 amp advertised for sale at a very good price. Is the Power2 being discontinued as well? At 200 watts x 2 for $500, that's a great price. Heck, you could get 3 of those and have six (6) 200 watts per channel for a home theater system.

Even though the NHT P2 and Controller are still being sold at huge discounts, I would be very hesitant to purchase any of these components knowing that NHT is discontinuing these products. Am I over-reacting on this. NHT has been around for a while but electronics is a new game for them. I just dont feel secure buying electronics from them at this point.

I hope I have the story right about NHT. If not, I hope someone corrects me or points out something I'm missing regardidng this situation. Thanks!

NHT is out of the electronics business, hence the deep discounts. The company was sold back to the original founders and is no longer affiliated with Vinci Labs, the European company that started the electronics line. NHT told me that they will honor the warranty and keep parts in stock for at least five years. Listenup offered a 30 day return so I took a shot and it worked out well for me. The controller didn't have HDMI 1.3 or decoding for the new Blu-Ray HD codecs so I passed on it. But the amps are first rate.

Could anyone who is familiar with the Power5 give me some advice? I'm thinking about importing one from the US to the UK. I believe the ICEpower modules can be jumpered for 120v or 240v, but the power5 seems a bit more complicated than that. I've got an EE background, and I'm prepared to put some effort into this. Can anyone tell me whether this is feasible? Jack?

Many thanks, Nick

Nick,

Yes, this is possible to do. You have to change some jumpers and fuses inside. Contact Janne at NHT for details.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Many thanks, Jack.

Nick

What's the difference between Power2 and D-Sonic 500S?

Is it the same module or the ones in D-sonic is better?

I have a Power 5 and a Power 2. Very happy with them both. Paid $699 for my Power 2 and that was a great price, at $499 from Listenup.com it's unbelievable. There is plenty of comparison and discussion of the modules used in both amps within this thread.

I think I spotted, but wasn't sure what D-Sonic uses in Magnum 500S.
So, if I get this right (sorry if I am wrong), Power 2 is basically 1 ASP 500 + 2 ASC 500?
Is this a module or power supply? Sorry for dump question, but I have no clue about ice power, and how it works.

If I get the Power 2, am I basically getting the same thing as magnum 500s? Or is Magnum 500S still sonically better in performance?

I would have to believe the D-Sonic will have better SQ than the Power5. I have the Power5 and recently added a Bel Canto S300 (2x300@4ohm). I use the S300 for my front R&L speakers, also with a Bel Canto PRe3 (for 2 channel listening w/HT Bypass). I find I prefer the SQ of the S300 over the Power5. Not sure what modules are in either amp. From what I have read modules and their implemation will make a difference in SQ.

Bill

Does S300 also use the Icepower module? It seems it's 150wpc at 8ohm. I went to their website, but the specification doesn't really specify whether it's using the Icepower or not.

I was comparing D-Sonic and Power2 or 5 since they are using the same icepower modules... But your comments are valid in that they sound different depending on the implementation.

Thanks for your comments, and anyone with other thoughts?

Yes the S300 uses ICE modules. As per my post the 300wpc is @4ohms. The S300 uses two 200ASC modules. There are two reviews on the S300 in Soundstage (12-05) and Six Moons (3-06). The reviews talk somewhat about the ICE modules and show some good internal (amp porn) pictures. I believe earlier in this thread there is mention of the modules used in the Power5.

Bill

Thanks, Bill.

That makes me put off my purchase for Power 2.. :-( Unless I am proven wrong..

Just so no one else is misled by the bizarre exchange above ...

"The Power2 uses one 500ASP and TWO 500As. The amplifier channel on the 500ASP does nothing. This way both channels have absolutely identical behavior since they use exactly the same amplifier module." - - from this post

As to the modules in the D Sonic, a quick search didn't turn up an answer for me. They may well use different modules. There is some debate about whether the various modules sound different. Certainly any total overall power supply differences may matter if you plan to take the amp near its limits for power.


I wouldn't put much weight on that.

At the list prices ($1380 vs. $1190 for the D Sonic), there might be a debate to be had about which one is better. At what you can get a Power2 for now ($500 - 25% cash back via live.com), you're crazy to pass up the Power2 if you need a 2 channel amp, or could use 2 of them (sort of as monoblocks, by using only one channel on each to increase the power supply).

Put much weight in what? In my opinion? I have the Power5 and IMO would think the D-Sonic would have better SQ. When directly comparing the S300 and the Power5 the SQ of the S300 is better IMO, much quieter that is for sure.

I believe the modules in the D-Sonic amps are a more recent version than in the Power5. As far as cost goes there is no question the Power2 is a bargain. But if someone is looking for the best possible SQ the D-Sonic, Bel Canto and Wyred4 Sound amps would be better choices again IMO.

Bill

I can't comment on the SQ of other ICE amps. My Power2 replaced two Musical Filelity M250 amps in my HT system driving Martin Logan SL3s. The Power2 is more neutral and detailed, the highs are sweeter and the bass somewhat leaner and better controlled, and the lights don't dim when it powers on! BTW, I sold the M250s to a friend who was unhappy with his Vincent SP-331 (an Absolute Sound favorite). He says the M250s are a huge improvement over the Vincent with his Martin Logan Vistas. The Power2 is a steal at $499. I highly recommend a heavy gauge aftermarket power cord with the Power5 & 2 amps, like PS Audio or Tributaries. Both my NHT amps are dead quiet, but I use heavy power cords and well shielded cables with all my equipment, as well as a Monster power conditioner.

1) I wouldn't put much weight on the opinions of someone who "believes" anything that's a fact they could, but don't actually, know. The modules in the D Sonic are what they are, it's not something you believe one way or the other. 2) Or put much weight on someone who has opinions about gear they haven't heard and can't be bothered to get the facts about before they pronounce their conclusions, and even worse advise others on what to buy based on that. Ay carumba.

Wow, who pissed in your Wheaties! This is an open forum right? We are all entitled to express our opinions right? No I have not heard the D-Sonic or know which modules that are in it. If I felt the need I could find out which modules that the D-Sonic has but do not see it as a life or death matter.

I did not know you needed all the facts to form a opinion here. Now if I said that the D-Sonic WILL definitely sound better than the Power5/2 without hearing it I can understand your outrage but again it is just my opinion. You also forget I have the Power5 in my system and have defended its quality earlier in this thread.

My point which you have totally missed is I HAVE two ICE module based amps to do a direct comparison in my system. And my opinion based on this direct comparison is that there are differences between the two amps. Now are you saying there is no SQ differences between ICE module based amps? And are you basing this opinion on actually hearing other ICE module based amps?

I am not advising anybody what to buy or not to buy, just giving my opinion. Whether you like that opinion or not does not concern me in the least. The choice of which amp to buy is totally up to the member who asked the questions about the Power5/2.

Bill

Easy Bill....wow

I wonder why people don't prefer neutral amp sound.
This kind of baffles me.

When an amp sounds different from the source that means it has a characteristic (stemming from its nature) equalization built-in.
Why would you want such a thing?

Why wouldn't you want to equalize your own sound as opposed to have it forced upon you by your amp?

Hey B&W,

How you doing? You must have missed the post (#496) above mine. I would have to think if that type of post was addressed to you you would respond in a similar way.

Bill

Ouch

Anyone have any idea what the 4 Ohm output is on the power 2?
The ice modules used spec out to 500w @ 4 Ohm but NHT rates the power at 200wpc either at 8 ohm or 4. I think this is an underestimate for some reason. I have a pair of Swan F2.2's that are 4 Ohms and I'm wondering how much power rms I'll get to them.
Thanks,

Corey

Corey,

The ICE Power amplifier modules in the Power2 are rated at 500W into 4ohms by B&O. They will come close to this at certain frequencies and THD with enough power supply. The ICE Power supply in the Power2 isn't designed to supply enough power to drive both channels at 4ohms to full voltage swing. I don't remeber exactly what it will do, but I'm sure it is over 300W/channel with both channels driven at the same time. With only one channel driven at a time, the output into 4ohms is essentially 500W.

Why is the NHT Power 2 using 18 watts in standby mode?

That's rather high.
In comparison, my receiver uses less than 1 watt in standby mode.

Is there a way to upgrade the power supply?

Corey,

Nope.

The Power2 has higher power consumption in standby mode because it is a switching amplifier with a switching power supply. There are several voltage rails that all need to be powered up for the amplifier to work correctly. They can't be turned off independant from each other and if they were, the amplifier wouldn't work correctly.

Cool, thanks for the explanation.
I am buying one of these: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

That should take care of it.

I know i have to believe that but I REALLY don't want to!

Knowing what I know, these things can't be that complicated. I should be able to change out the modules somehow. Of course this would void warranty and probably won't be attempted for quite some time. However, I see myself putting in some different ice modules in the future. A 2x1000w @ 4 ohm monster anyone?

Here is a photo of the switching power supply used in the Power2. Which parts do you want to change to increase the power output?

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...X/DSC01312.jpg