Yes Milpai -
I have listened extensively to Channel Islands 100 and 200 watt amplifiers which are class D. I have auditioned Bel Canto. I am unsure they are a simple class D and not a modular digital amp using ICE or similar modules for output power. I own a number of class A/B amps of relevance here. That woud be McIntosh and an ARC non class D SS Amp.
Most of my other gear is older or tubed. My speakers are JM lab Electra 936s in my main rig. Power is Opera Consonance 800 Mono blocks with 4 PP parralel 6CA7s two pairs on each side 8 total. I roll all of my tubes except in these I prefered the stock EH. I have as many as 12 pairs of speakers.
The 60 watt amp is a Jadis DA-60 hooked up to the VR2s a good one esp for a WAF rig. Which she doesnt give a ---- about.
The class D does in fact do for me what you hear has done for them. It's sonic is stunningly strong,clean, very clear, quick and transparent... for a while it amazed me . Then something happens to many class D (not ICE) owners, they get a sense that there is a critical richness of tone missing . The amps start to sound more and more lke empty, dry, shell like with no soul. As you said sterile.
They seem perfect for things like home theater where dialogue is too often muted and lost.
The A/B amp in terms of rocking your soul or tapping your toes or internalized symphonic music is highly and truly amp dependent. Some amps just smear everything into each other creating mud from a spectral. While Others maintain clear dimensional air and spaces between the elements in the music you're listening to. The tone in all cases, I find IMHO is richer and the timbre decay more pleasing in A/B or A class amps. (lets leave SET amps out for now)
The consideration of Class A is good one but almost diametrically opposed to class D. It is the heaviest richest biggest sound of all. Although sluggish vs. class D- if you want a real punchy but toneful bass you should try it. The only other issue is that the iron fisted bass can dominate the whole presentation and soundstage can be obliterated.
Since you are a devout tube hater I will only mention in passing that my 60 watt amp runs in pure class A and preserves the holographic soundstage. A good SS Class A amp with a good pre is always a delight to hear but I never had both simultaneously.
That is my honest thinking.
I have listened extensively to Channel Islands 100 and 200 watt amplifiers which are class D. I have auditioned Bel Canto. I am unsure they are a simple class D and not a modular digital amp using ICE or similar modules for output power. I own a number of class A/B amps of relevance here. That woud be McIntosh and an ARC non class D SS Amp.
Most of my other gear is older or tubed. My speakers are JM lab Electra 936s in my main rig. Power is Opera Consonance 800 Mono blocks with 4 PP parralel 6CA7s two pairs on each side 8 total. I roll all of my tubes except in these I prefered the stock EH. I have as many as 12 pairs of speakers.
The 60 watt amp is a Jadis DA-60 hooked up to the VR2s a good one esp for a WAF rig. Which she doesnt give a ---- about.
The class D does in fact do for me what you hear has done for them. It's sonic is stunningly strong,clean, very clear, quick and transparent... for a while it amazed me . Then something happens to many class D (not ICE) owners, they get a sense that there is a critical richness of tone missing . The amps start to sound more and more lke empty, dry, shell like with no soul. As you said sterile.
They seem perfect for things like home theater where dialogue is too often muted and lost.
The A/B amp in terms of rocking your soul or tapping your toes or internalized symphonic music is highly and truly amp dependent. Some amps just smear everything into each other creating mud from a spectral. While Others maintain clear dimensional air and spaces between the elements in the music you're listening to. The tone in all cases, I find IMHO is richer and the timbre decay more pleasing in A/B or A class amps. (lets leave SET amps out for now)
The consideration of Class A is good one but almost diametrically opposed to class D. It is the heaviest richest biggest sound of all. Although sluggish vs. class D- if you want a real punchy but toneful bass you should try it. The only other issue is that the iron fisted bass can dominate the whole presentation and soundstage can be obliterated.
Since you are a devout tube hater I will only mention in passing that my 60 watt amp runs in pure class A and preserves the holographic soundstage. A good SS Class A amp with a good pre is always a delight to hear but I never had both simultaneously.
That is my honest thinking.