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Discussion of Class D Amps Application & Experiences

With all the time off that our current situation has allowed recently, I became intrigued by the idea of class D amplification. I have always been against this type of amplifier but the more I have read the more I have also learned. There are lots of threads here on this subject many of which result in arguments about which amplifier class is better. I do not want to do that here. As I consider a class D amp I need to let you know that I currently use a fairly powerful class A/B SS amp and pre-amp into an efficient pair of speakers rated at 4 ohms. My choice of equipment has always been focused on musicality over absolute detail. I want the music to sound natural and not sterile. I seem to have achieved that sound. If I switched to class D amplification that would also be my intended goal although a bit more refined detail would be fine. I have considered pairing the amp with a tube pre to help achieve my desired sound. So why would I change? My goal would be to save money over my current gear while maintaining my desired sound.

I have researched brands such as Nord, Primare, AGD & Nuprime. I have also looked at brands such as Jeff Rowland & Merrill but those are way out of my price range. My target would be $6000 - $7000 or less. I'm about performance not price. So given that background information I would like to hear from those who have made the leap, what your experience has been (likes and dislikes), what amp did you replace and any comments about one brand over the other. Your experience with demos etc. Do you use a tube or SS line stage?
Thanks
falconquest
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Apollon makes a purifi based stereo amp for about $2500. They also have mono blocks.
So does this guy make PURIFI-1ET400A, and they’re only $2400aud that’s $1726usd!!!
And like the Hypex NC500 monoblocks (BelCanto Ref 600 mono’s) he makes also, you can have a better linear power supplie instead of SMP’s as an sound upgrade.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hamersley/stereo-systems/purifi-1et400a-stereo-amplifier-claas-d/1252258350

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hamersley/stereo-systems/hypex-nc-500-class-d-amplifier-mono-pair-with-noratel-transformer/1216893648

Cheers George


falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,109 posts
 
My sense is that this technology is still emerging and what is "great" today may be outdated rather quickly. The good part is the technology keeps developing so equipment should be better and less expensive in the future.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,393 posts
 
A perfect example of very good class D is Marantz KI ruby integrated amp, not only  a dual mono Ncore design but many tricked out 
like a analog output section feedback after the output section 
more stability they state descreet  custom transistors instead of opamps most use. Custom matched parts, power supply ,seperate toroidal power supply for the preamplifier and no cheap alps volume pot,100 step microprocessor control volume Copper isolation and a bunch os other things .it sounds like a good hybrid
class AB amp with a couple tubes in the circuit ,at $4k a true bargain ,the last design before Ken Ishiwata passed away not long after his 40 th year at Marantz RIP.
mwalker47's avatar
mwalker47
5 posts
 
Hi Ric - Hope you’re staying saldé. See, the heaviest hand in anyone’s shoulder is the one followed by of the utterance old: “I told you so”. I’m sure you will not remember when I hinted there would be possible new ‘tweaks’ to your 1200 and your response was: “I doubt it”. Anyway I’m enjoying my unit. So, are you modding it to the next level. Please advise. Best regards
Manny

tweak1
3,738 posts
 
Manny, next level tweaks for out beloved and bespoked 1200s?


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