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Class D Technology

So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi UberWaltz, Bel Canto Ref500 is not one of my favorite amps... Even when it was current technology, it lacked the sweetness and transparency of its more powerful REF1000 Mk.2 brother.


On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that ICEpower-based amps have traditionally been bears to break-in.... And for at least a couple hundred hours out of the box they tend to sound dry and uninvolving.


In your $5K price range, I suggest you look into the current Bel Canto REF600 monoblocks, which are based on the excellent NCore NC1200 modules.... All NC1200 implementatios I have heard this far have been sweet and musical.... And you should hear some decent music out of them within about 200 hours.... But complete break-in hovers around the 1000 hours boundary.


One more mono amp...  Below $3K is the D-Sonic M3/1500. It is based on the excellent Pascal X-Pro2 module:

http://www.d-sonic.net/products/mono/ 


Regards, Guido


seanheis1 OP
629 posts
 
I hear the new Peachtree Novas have done a good job. I'd be curious how they sound
People either love them or can't stand them is what I have noticed. They are beautiful though. 
seanheis1 OP
629 posts
 
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that ICEpower-based amps have traditionally been bears to break-in.... And for at least a couple hundred hours out of the box they tend to sound dry and uninvolving. 

Any idea what part of the amp is breaking in and what is happening during this process? 
seanheis1 OP
629 posts
 
Now after a very positive upgrade of my ht rig from a pair of emotiva space heaters to a single nuforce class d i am ready to be convinced.
Which Nurforce did you buy? Any idea who makes their modules? 
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi seanheis1, I am not sure what circuit components are most prone to evolving during break-in.... I suspect that it is just about everything, from resistors, caps, boards, conducting traces, grounding surfaces, connectors, dyelectrics.... According to Jeff ROwland, capacitors and transformers are particularly slow at breaking in.... And am not sure what is the electro-magnetic phenomenon at play either.   I only know that I invariably experience significant audible evolution during break-in.... And it is not a particularly linear phenomenon either..... there are lots of dips and peaks during this period.... Gradually tapering off.


ICEpower modules seem particularly unattractive out of the box.... a more benign break-in curve can be experienced with NCore NC1200 and Pascal M-Pro2.... But do not expect miracles from any brand new class-D amp.... My experience is that patience does remain Golden *Grins!*

 



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