SQ is more consistent now after clocking 100hrs on the JOB. Starting to like this amp for its extreme transparency and detail. It basically amplifies everything down the chain both the good and the bad.
It definately punches above its weight. Time to upgrade my source n preamp...haha!
Sold out till early December...This amp sounds like an amazing deal. I am really curious on how the JOB 225 compares to an Ncore 400. Planning on getting a new amp in the next few days and I am really on the fence on which way to go. Either way, I think it will be a good step up from my current Sony 5700ES receiver. For those that have listen to both, any advice or insight is greatly appreciated.
Sold out till early December...
The Ncore 400 power amp does not have the natural body and warmth that real instruments deliver. Rather, it has a very bland presentation that over time causes you want to replace the amp.
I've built 5 NCore amps and know this amp well (see attached photos) in several high end systems and what I'm sharing can be confirmed by other's who are honest. I could have become a fanboy for NCore but just can't do it as I've attempted to use the highest level components and tweak this amp for all it's worth and it still doesn't have a sound that I really like.
In the beginning, the Ncore's dynamics appear to impress but as you listen to it, it just doesn't have the emotional impact, the 3 dimensional sound, or musical appeal that the JOB 225 delivers extremely well. After owning the JOB amp, I just can't listen to the NCore anymore. In fact, the JOB causes me to want to explore the many Goldmund power amps and hear what the more expensive variations of this JOB circuit has to offer. I can't imagine a better amp presentation in most any system. It sits beautifully between the ability to drive most any speaker (like a powerful solid state amp) and the beauty delivered by a fast dynamic tube amp. I'm sold and have quit looking for the next power amp. I can now focus on the remainder of my system.
Bill Hobba in Australia didn't like the NCore when compared to other good amps. Here's his impression and is the same as mine: "A bit deadpan, slow and dull"
Joe is very correct in saying "I have not heard the ncores but have heard other class D amps. Class D, in my opinion can't compete. I am constantly amazed how musical and articulate and three dimensional the Job225 sounds. Vocals are so natural."
Do yourself a favor and just purchase a JOB 225 and forget the NCore. You'll save yourself a bunch of money trying to case the Ncore properly and will have an incredible amp that will put a smile on your face. In my opinion, with the JOB 225 now back on the market, the NCore is no longer a viable alternative.
Richard
Aum Acoustics
Richard,
Thank you sooooooooooooo much for your opinions and findings. I have been running my Job with my SF Evos and I am happy with that combo. In fact, every speaker that I've mated to the Job 225 responds beautifully. My TADs sound awesome with the Job or the ART monos, not much else. It is an amazing amp. So satisfying and I too am lusting for something higher up in the Goldmund line.
Joe, you will be able to hear these Goldmund monos Goldmund - Telos 350+ in the next few weeks. They will be at Rhapsody from now on driving both the Raidho and Magico herds
The Ncore 400 power amp does not have the natural body and warmth that real instruments deliver. Rather, it has a very bland presentation that over time causes you want to replace the amp.
Do yourself a favor and just purchase a JOB 225 and forget the NCore. You'll save yourself a bunch of money trying to case the Ncore properly and will have an incredible amp that will put a smile on your face. In my opinion, with the JOB 225 now back on the market, the NCore is no longer a viable alternative.
Richard
Aum Acoustics
JOB225 = ultimate teaser amp!
:exciting:
I've just swapped out the Audio Magic fuse that Joe recommended. Feels like the noise floor dropped a little bit and now slightly smoother on the top. Very nice. I can't wait to try a new PC on this little wonder.
I now have ~500 hours on this thing (played 24/7 for break-in) and it truly smoothed out on top and the mid range seems fuller than before. Really enjoying this little amp!:audiophile: