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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,363 posts
 
Hadn’t thought of DSonic in a while but looks like they are still offering a lot of bang for the buck.

Nice website.....lots of useful specs and measurements.

What Class D modules do they use these days?
tweak1
3,677 posts
 
Ric Schultz TweakAudio's newest class D sounds fab. I have his EVS 1200 which is amazing,

Keep in mind Underwood HiFi is getting very close to releasing the Voyager GaN amp


https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics

Voyager GAN 200 Balanced Power Amplifier
$3,000.00

Our new LSA 200 watts/ch power amplifier, Voyager GAN 200, will ship by the end of 2020. This fully balanced amplifier is a breakthrough product featuring a GAN (Gallium Nitride) FET Output Power Stage as found in products selling for many times our $3,000.00 price.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,363 posts
 
That will be interesting. 
timlub
2,041 posts
 
I'm not sure that I can help the discussion much, but here you go.... Class A vs Class D.  In theory Never switch should be better than switching. Obviously No Switching distortion.  With that said, I have owned 3 Pure Class A amplifiers which I loved.  
Recently,  I went on a Class D benge.  I purchased 11 amp modules and have built and listened to all of them.  I've had Abletec, Pascal, Ice, TPA, TDA, STA modules and maybe more.  In every case,  the better that I made power supplies the better the amps sound,  even low cost STA modules could be quite good.  There really can't be an argument that these amplifiers are audiophile quality.  Sure,  other amps could be your cup of tea, over these, but no doubt,  Most (not all) of these amplifiers produce a satisfying amplifier. 
I have found on at least one of these,  I can add a z comp circuit PFFB which stabilizes the frequency response using different speakers.  These amps are still developing.  Class A and AB won't go away,  but I do want to encourage others to leave your bias at home and occasionally take a listen to class D as they continue to develop.  

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,363 posts
 
I have a 40w/ch $85 Fosi Class D integrated amp with Bluetooth in use that sounds really good driving a vintage pair of Boston A40s. Audiophile worthy even, as long as you don’t ask too much of it. Cleaner/Better sounding than most comparable powered vintage receivers for sure. A better power supply would make it even better but add some cost. The TI chip used supports delivering even more power if wired up properly for that. It’s about the size of a pack of cigarettes to boot. So not a lot of bling, but otherwise....
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