Class-D amps - a different re view

Let's say you've got a hotrod with a high performance engine. Maybe this engine has an old school fuel delivery system. Maybe you'd like to update the fuel delivery system with some new technology. You cannot expect maximum performance by simply removing the old fuel system and installing the new one. You're going to have to put in some time and make some adjustments to the rest of the system to realize the fullest potential of the new technology. What those adjustments will be are going to be determined by the rest of the rig and of course your own personal needs and preferences.
Those of us that have switched to Class-D amps and have put in the time and made the adjustments to the rest of the system are being rewarded accordingly.
Like many others who have responded, my rig has never sounded better or performed more efficiently than it does now with the Class-D amps.
I've had a lot of different gear and regardless of how good any of that previous gear was, none of it has delivered the goods like the goods are being delivered now. I've experienced absolutely no downside whatsoever by making the change to Class-D...only positive.
These amps take up substantially less space, they use a lot less power (my power bill went down $14.00 a month simply by changing to these amps), and they put out virtually no heat.
At the same time they have over twice the power output of my previous room heaters, and they are more neutral, more dynamic with better detail, faster and they have more body. I'm sure I could list other attributes but you get the idea.
Regardless of the item or the topic, there will always be those that cannot or will not accept that something new or different could possibly be better. Is it going to be better for everybody...probably not. But that doesn't mean it can't be better for those willing to give it an adequate chance.
I for one could not be happier that I made the change and put forth the time and effort to optimize that change. I will not be switching back and I think as this technology becomes more refined we're going to see a lot of others making the switch as well.
This has really been an interesting and enjoyable thread and one that I am following closely. I'm glad to see so many responses and equally glad to see that I don't stand alone in the Class-D camp.
Keep it fun everybody and enjoy the music. I know I am!

Looking at this thread as a whole it seems to me there are fewer class D detractors than in months past. The few that are here have at least had some first hand experience with the a product and politely didn't care for their presentation.

After looking at the Colloms review I must say he presents very convincing case for someone who maybe thinking of crossing over to the D side. Which in itself has me wondering why would anybody put that much effort into disparaging the performance of these amplifiers. My first thought was to support and clarify the TAS shoddy shootout. Whatever his reasoning is, what does the audio press stand to gain by labeling class D as not HI-FI?

Vic

Well said Mjvfashion.

However I simply installed fuel injection on my engine and it was instantly better. No need for new plug wires or a new cam!

Maybe I am just lucky. :)

Kudos Mjfvashon! Well said. A power amp, bottom line, will only amplify what it is feed. I believe the knocks against early CD is that it was solid state shrill. Vinyl did sound better through solid state pre and power amps. Time went on, improvements were made. I know people who will still only listen to vinyl through tube equipment. I think the best improvement a person can make in their system is to have a tube pre-amp or a tube DAC. J. Gordon Holt, once said the best combo was a tube pre with a ss power amp. I took that advice and I will always have a tube pre. As stated in a previous post, I now have a Tripath based power amp and I have no plans to replace it. My system has never sounded better.

Wow! We all know our own equipment is a matter of our own taste and personality. Most of the time when we give our opinion when asked on this site what is better or sounds best we add the IMHO. We all have opinions most of us just don't get paid for them. For some reason if we are paid and published it seems to matter more. I value members of the Audiogon community opinions much more then one single minded reviewers opinion.

Just like mentioned above, "new technology gets it hard like when solid state was new". Remember when CD players were still developing in the late eighties? Philips came out with their TDA1545A 16 bit dac chip. People liked it, but wanted better. Now many designs are being designed that sound better then anything else using this chip. Zanden comes to mind here, if you want a TDA1545A-S2 chip it will cost you $200.00 for just the chip.

My point is in 15 years we will be trying to find these current class D amps because they sound so good and the new technology will be the argument.

I changed from $8K Melos separates to an $8K integrated to a class D amp and tube preamp because it like it.