D amps


Anyone try the new class D amps with Nautilus 802 speakers?

bernal737

I haven’t heard any on B&W, but I’m an authorized Vivid Audio dealer, and their founder, Laurence Dickie, designed the B&W Nautilus speaker and all of the tapered tube “tweeter on top” speakers in their heyday before starting Vivid. The sound signatures are quite close. 

I’ve paired the Vivid G1 Spirits with Aurender’s AP20 integrated amplifier, which uses dual mono Purifi Eigentakt modules, similar to what is used in the Mola Mola, and it sounds really good. I actually reviewer the Aurender AP20 with these speakers on this forum:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/aurender-ap20-impressions

The sound is very transparent and engaging, and there’s enough drive to properly control the speakers. I’ve also used AGD Gran Vivace on these speakers which also do quite well. Both amplifiers are very linear, so if any added warmth, harmonics, or bloom is desired, this can be achieved elsewhere in the chain.

 

I’ve used Rotel Class D amps for years and years. They use B &O iCE modules. I have five modules, from five channel 250/500 watt models to extremely powerful 500/1000 watts modules.  They are beautiful sounding amps.  Love em so much, I’ve built my own 1000 watt sub amps using these modules.  I’ve also built amps using Pascal modules up to 2500 watts. Very expensive, but incredible sound. 

I have been using AGD amps for a couple of years now and couldn't be happier. Lovely sound driving my LRS+ with ease.

@hgeifman FWIW, class D amps vary in sound more than tube amps seem to. So having a bad experience with one isn't an indication that another will be the same thing. The Hypex and Purifi modules are sold as parts so you have to come up with a power supply and input buffer, which has a dramatic effect on how they sound. At this point IMO its pretty well demonstrated that some of those modules have been put in boxes by by people that don't know what they are doing.

+1 @atmasphere 

@hgeifman May I know which specific vendor's Hypex-based amp you or your friends have purchased from?  Knowing the specific Hypex-based amp vendor might be necessary, as different vendors often implement subtle design choices that can influence sound quality beyond pure measurements. Brands like Apollon, Nord, and VTV Amplifier are some well-known names offering Hypex or Purifi modules, each with a slightly different approach to things like power supply and housing design, which can impact the listening experience.