NuForce’s Reference 18 Mono Power Amplifier

Mike Silverton has posted a review of the NuForce’s Reference 18 Mono power amplifier ($7,600/pair) at Stereo Times. His conclusions:

Nothing about the Ref 18 took me by surprise or storm. What the amp does so well is consistent with what I’ve come to expect. I hear the Ref 18’s advances as both real enough to set it apart and remarkably familial. Were I shopping for a pair of high-end monos, the difference in MSLP between the new amp and the leader it replaces ($5k and $7.6k) is close enough in heft to send me in the Ref 18’s direction. (I did just specify “high end,” where tickets in this range are relatively modest. Some phono pickups cost more.)

You’ve no reason in the world to believe anything I’ve written here. I did predict at the outset that other reviewers will tell you how good the Ref 18 is. If you find me trustworthy, great. On the other hand, if you see me as a company shill, by all means wait for other opinions. As always, NuForce will honor its 30-day return policy and offers moreover a trade-in allowance on other NuForce amps. (There! I’ve done my marketing bit.)

You can read the full review here.