2. amps-preamps
  3. 161730-130690

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
greenwichct
6 posts
 
I'm an early adopter of Boenicke's new P1 class D amp.  It's basic, but it does it very well.  Pair w/Boenicke W8SE+ speakers on a swing base; you'll be blown away.  

https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/electronics/p1/
          300 W into 8 Ohms
  • Mechanically tuned Powersoft amplifier module
  • Chord Company Shawline AC power cord directly soldered in (10% silver solder), no screwed or plugged contacts!
  • 3 LessLoss newest generation Firewall filters in AC input
  • Custom – made AC softstart module on FR2 circuit board, trimmed to exact resonator length
  • Bybee Small GOLD Slipstream Quantum Purifier filters in the audio input
  • 3 proprietary resonators installed (16-cm parallel spiral resonator, 16-cm series spiral resonator, new 2 cm series resonator)
  • ETI Research RCA input sockets
  • LessLoss internal cotton-covered wiring
  • Black Ravioli Small Pads feet
  • High-End, orientation optimised Refine Audio fuse installed with unique contact enhancing agent
  • Solid walnut backplate. No, aluminum does not sound the same.

madavid0
214 posts
 
@greenwichct How does it compare to linear amps? What's your frame of reference?
audio2design
1,351 posts
 
So basically, it's a fire hazard?

Solid walnut backplate. No, aluminum does not sound the same.

ricevs
1,543 posts
 
Usually statements like these are made by people who do not like tweaking.  So they make something silly up.  The power supply in that amp is way away from the back panel.  The power supply (a switching one) is completely self protecting......it shuts off if there is over current/over voltage, too high of temperature, DC offset, etc..  Also there is a fuse on the power supply.  There is no "fire hazard".....same with having cotton covered wires inside.  If you don't understand or like something....then attack it......the ego says.  The heart says....what does this do?  Maybe I don't know everything.  Maybe I should keep my mind open till I have tested this with my ears.
madavid0
214 posts
 
So, uh, why can't anyone ever describe what their mind-blowing revelatory class D amp sounds like vs what linear amps they own? I do that all the time.
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