Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

@holmz 

some might still prefer the signal modified, or distorted, so that the 2nd/3rd harmonics were present.

Some of this may also bleed into people running tube preamps into SS/Class-D amps. 

And this is a truth.  I am such a one, for a variety of reasons.  I am also careful to consider measurements (defined widely) for a component's attributes, again, for a number of reasons.

@atmasphere 

If it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it is probably a duck. 

From Wiki;

Class-D amplifiers work by generating a train of rectangular pulses of fixed amplitude but varying width and separation, or varying number per unit time, representing the amplitude variations of the analog audio input signal. The modulator clock can synchronize with an incoming digital audio signal, thus removing the necessity to convert the signal to analog. The output of the modulator is then used to gate the output transistors on and off alternately. Great care is taken to ensure that the pair of transistors are never allowed to conduct together, as this would cause a short circuit between the supply rails through the transistors. 

So yes, Class D is more accurately referred to as a "switching amplifier" rather than a "digital amplifier" but things get blurred when binary quantization is involved as binary quantization is at the heart of digital too. 

I find it interesting that in order to "cut me down to size" you chose to seize upon my bad choice of nomenclature (when I in fact used BOTH within the same paragraph!) rather than comment upon the bigger points made in my post.

I will say it again also-I have no doubt that this is a very fine sounding amp. I would expect nothing less from a man of your immense experience, intellect, and knowledge. I just get my hackles up a bit when someone like our OP posts a sensationalistic thread title and then waxes on and on. You don't want to be equated with Tekton do you?

And this is a truth.  I am such a one, for a variety of reasons.  I am also careful to consider measurements (defined widely) for a component's attributes, again, for a number of reasons.

Me too @noske - my tube preamp has the 2nd at -75dB the 3rd at -90, and the 5th at -110dB.
My old preamp was predominantly 2nd harmonic.

My latest power amp is not too dissimilar - just a bit higher…
And the older tube amps predated Stereophile’s use of the AP test gear.

So they all look like what Ralph is describing, just we cannot see it.

@fsonicsmith

Let me be clear, Ralph never asked me to post anything. I also am a huge fan of Pass Labs, Coincidence, VAC, as well as others. I was very surprised that I really like these Class D’s. As I have posted a long list of others that has been in my system that I didn’t like. And when comparing them in my system with other amps. They exceed my expectations. In fact they have exceeded many peoples expectations that have been to my house. I’ll be posting my impressions of the Aqua LaScala DAC. But I’ll be alittle more careful how I word it. As not to start with what happened in this thread. But I can say…. These amps are very very good. And don’t do anything poorly. They are definitely the best Class D that I’ve had in my system. JMHO 

@pstores 

You should continue to post your thoughts and listening impressions as you experience them. This is an open audio topic forum and most folks come here to learn, share and discover. When you come across an excellent sounding product, you want to make others aware. Nothing wrong with that.

I have certainly done the same over the years on this forum. A few examples, Coincident components/speakers, Ocelia cables and Lavricables, Pro-Ject RS2T CD transport etc. I want to share these wonderful discoveries/experiences with fellow music lovers looking for terrific audio products. Audiogon is a great resource.

Charles