Well for GaN specifically orchid audio, Peachtree (what’s with all the fruit references ?) and Class D Audio come to mind. But the topic was Class D in general. GaN may be a useful new technology but many modern modest cost Class D amp designs do things exceptionally well and are competitive. I believe personal preferences will be the main deciding factor, as is commonly the case when talking about high quality products these days.
Class D Amplification Announcement
After 60 some odd years of disappointment, Class D has finally arrived. As per The Absolute Sound’s Jonathan Valin, the Borrenson-designed Aavik P-580 amp “is the first Class D amplifier I can recommend without the usual reservations. …the P-580 does not have the usual digital-like upper-mid/lower-treble glare or brick wall-like top-octave cut-off that Class D amps of the past have evinced.”
Past designers of Class D and audiophiles, rejoice; Michael Borrenson has finally realized the potential of Class D.
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**** The sound of a high rez two channel system sounds nothing like live music**** Three possibilities: - The “high rez”’system is not assembled well; is not well balanced. - Recordings being played are not very good. - The listener is not familiar with the sound of live music. A great recording played back on a well balanced (!) high resolution system can sound, while never exactly like, fairly close to the sound of live. No offense intended, but speak for yourself. That is not what many of us are looking for. I suppose it’s a sign of the times. Hyper real flavors in food (way too salty). Hyper loud movies and concerts. Hyper fast, hyper personalized experiences. Hyper connectivity, and more. I’m old school, I prefer my music to sound as natural as possible; as close as possible to the real thing. Others may want a different experience. As far as I’m concerned Harry Pearson had it right. However, to each his own. Enjoy your music!
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@mapman , Got it. I have certainly read user reviews on Orchard, but not as many for Peachtree. Don’t know why; but I am more gravitating towards GaN over other Class D tech. Will try to audition different types when I am ready for a change. |
@frogman Album tracks have autotune, drumbeat correction, volume compression etc... to enhance the clarity. I mean just compare demo tapes to finished albums and you’ll hear why enhancements are highly desirable. This implies that the album doesn’t sound like the live performance, even in a recording studio. I’m assuming that you only listen to live recordings of acoustic performances. Softer acoustic performances in well-treated rooms sound inherently crystal clear, so enhancements aren’t necessary. So you’re limiting your musical library immensely. And to be frank, the importance of a balanced hi-res system is overstated (IMHO). Budget gear is getting better by the year, especially dirt cheap class D amps. AND for people like me LIVE music is way more affordable and accessible than high-end Hi-Fi. That's the perk of living in a metropolis I suppose. |
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