Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

If they can ’tune’ the sound just by changing opamps they are either using really terrible opamps or don’t know what they are doing!

These are the claims of customers- they prefer the "sound" of certain op amps over others, not mine!

I would think that a module with a high PSRR would reduce any deleterious effects of the smps, at least that is what Bruno claims with his modules. Based on their measurements, it seems to be true.

I agree with that whenever SQ can be affected, but making thick chasis just to  protect the amp during the shipping seems to me unreasonable - just pack it well! 

We've always packed our equipment well to survive FedEx/UPS treatment. But experience has shown that even though its packed well, the chassis can be deformed by the mounting bolt for the transformer if the transformer is heavy enough and the chassis thin enough.

These are the claims of customers- they prefer the "sound" of certain op amps over others, not mine!

If that is so either the opamps were really terrible or the designer didn't know what he was doing! With any module you really don't need a lot of gain, so why would decent opamps affect the sound?? Answer: if the buffer is properly designed and if decent opamps are used, they won't.

My conundrum. I'm warming up to Class D. Actually, more the opposite as heat avoidance is the main reason for seeking out a Class D amp.

My problem is that I'm a keeper. I'm not a component every year type of guy. More like every decade.

So there's an obvious tension between getting the value oriented "giant killer" and the point of diminishing return "SOTA".

Value picking seems to be easier when applied to established technology. Class D amp tech seems to in an evolutionary trajectory.

Ralph's and a few other's SOTA are so tempting.

But will the saying that today's SOTA is tomorrow's **** apply to my Class D purchase? On the other hand,  life is short.

What a sad train-wreck of a thread.  I feel bad for Ralph having to try to educate a bunch of keyboard warriors all because someone said something nice about his gear.