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High end Class D amps?

Just an observation and a question. Are there 'high end' Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps? I realize that's a sensitive question to some and I mean no disrespect---but whenever I see others' hifi systems on social media, all of the amps are A or A/B. There's always Pass, McIntosh, Moon, Luxman, Accuphase, etc. Where are the Class Ds? For folks out there that want more power for less efficient speakers and can't afford the uber expensive Class As, A/Bs, what is there to choose from that's close to those brands? Thanks
bluorion
baconboy
23 posts
 

I originally had my Magnepan 1.7s paired with a Peachtree Nova Preamp and a 220 watt amp and the results were good but nowhere near great. I sorta lost faith in class D amps and set my sights on a ‘McIntosh level’ amp however my bank account said ‘that ain’t happening’! Recently I upgraded to a Peachtree Nova 500 integrated amp and the difference is night and day.

There is a presence and detail now that I always knew the Maggie’s were capable of and the Peachtree makes them sing.

Class D amps have come a long way and more power helps too.

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/products/nova500


dchang05
61 posts
 
The new PS Audio M1200 monoblocks are as powerful as any amps out there. Yet they sounded so smooth and sweet thanks to the 12AU7 tubes at the input stage.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
baconboy I always knew the Maggie’s were capable of and the Peachtree makes them sing.

Class-D likes benign 4-6ohm loads with low - phase angles, and that's what the Maggie's are, but when the loads get tough, then big Linear Amps come out to play.
Cheers George


akgwhiz
184 posts
 
Now I can't say from many AB comparisons as I dont have access to much audiophile equipment here, but for the money I've been very impressed with a Rogue Sphinx V3.  Rogue is best known for tube offerings but also does class D.  USA made, awesome service.  It's an integrated with a true Class A pre amp section.  Not sure what your budget might be but at about $1500 it's a deal.  Uses Hypex modules in a traditional configuration.  Also, Rogue offers the Pharaho integrated with 300 wpc and "integrating a true class A pre amp within the Hypex modules".  Its a different configuration/topology but I've never heard any comments on the sonic differences.  Would love to hear from Agoners if they have any experience. 
jrwaudio
344 posts
 
I drive my Maggie's. 7's with the Spectron musical MK ll class D amp The company is no longer in business as John Ulrick the designer passed away  The amp weights in at 54lbs output is 500watts@8ohm 650@4ohms and 1,200 watts@1ohm/65 amps for 500 milliseconds my tube pre amp is the ARC LS15  To my ears and anyone that have listened to my system are duly impressed, to say the least
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