Class D is just Dandy!

That's enough class d nonsense for me,I'm saleing all of mine and going to buy more first watts.

Best,

Kenny.

George is correct in categorizing the Technics SE-R1 as a class D amplifier. It uses a pulse-width modulated switching output stage, and it is therefore a class D amplifier by definition. Various architectural differences that it has with respect to most other class D amplifiers, including the ability to accept digital inputs from a mating Technics preamp and keep the signal in the digital domain until it is converted to the PWM signal that controls the output stage, do not change that fact. Statements such as the following, which appeared in this TAS review, are misleading and incorrect in drawing a distinction between class D and digital amplifiers:

Indeed, this is not a traditional Class A, Class AB, or even Class D amplifier. Rather, it is a rare breed known as a “digital” amplifier....

As with Class D amplifiers, digital amplifiers use a switching output stage; however, they accept digital rather than analog input signals. These “digital” amplifiers take in the pulse-code modulation (PCM) signal from a music server or other source and convert those audio data to a pulse-width modulated signal. This PWM signal then drives the output transistors, just as in a Class D amplifier. The difference between a Class D amplifier and a digital amplifier is that the digital amplifier accepts digital data rather than an analog signal.

What would be correct would be to say that a "digital amplifier" in this context is a form of a class D amplifier. And as such, like any other class D amplifier its design must address the issue of output stage switching speed.  And the sonic consequences, if any, of the low pass filter at the output of the amp for which the required bandwidth is a function of that switching speed.

Regards,
-- Al

I see our thread crapper is still here...


It’s a digital amp, not a class d amp. From the Absolute Sound article on the Technics SE-R1:

"Digital Amplifiers
As with Class D amplifiers, digital amplifiers use a switching output stage; however, they accept digital rather than analog input signals. These “digital” amplifiers take in the pulse-code modulation (PCM) signal from a music server or other source and convert those audio data to a pulse-width modulated signal. This PWM signal then drives the output transistors, just as in a Class D amplifier. The difference between a Class D amplifier and a digital amplifier is that the digital amplifier accepts digital data rather than an analog signal."

Perhaps it’s more like a power dac....

Regardless, there is no doubt it sounds great, just like the Hypex ncore....People can whine all they want about switching speeds, blah blah blah...the ears don’t care...luddites need not apply...

The non-existent problems? Oh, but wait, they only address the non-existant problems but never actually solve them. Damn. And all that money.

Maybe people should just stick with inexpensive Class D amps available already which fixes it all.

George has nothing but shade. WEEPS.

BTW, I've had a number of golden eared audiophiles listen to my system. The issue of Class D never comes up until the end. No one ever says "OH, wow, I can hear the Class D problems!"

We talk music, headphones, speakers, and room acoustics. On the way out some one will ask, "Oh by the way, where are your amps??"