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Should I steer clear of class D amps

I’m finally upgrading my amp. I currently have an Onkyo TXNR 636 which has served very well but it’s now the weakest component in my system.

I’ve a budget of up to £1200-£1300 and been looking at the NAD C3050.

I was initially drawn to the NAD C3050 when I saw the VU meters but these are not deal breakers if I can get a much better amp without them, but I really do like them. I spoke with a dealer and he mentioned all NAD amplifiers are now class D and that’s now where I’m stuck procrastinating my purchase. My understanding was class D never really took off, despite the power efficiency due to the HF noise caused by the PWM. Times change things improve but I can’t find much about how they have mitigated this, in fact an article in EETimes refers to how the tests performed for THD etc are quite irrelevant in a digital amp and quoted figures may be very different in real life. In essence, the way of testing makes them look better than they are. This may be true but do they sound good? We all know vinyl is technically an inferior medium but I certainly prefer it’s sound.

I am listening to classic/ heavy rock and a mixture of lossless streaming from a NAS into a Cambridge Audio CNX V2 and vinyl off a Technics 1500C with a Pro-Ject DS phono stage all into monitor audio bronze 5s. 
 

I need a new amp. I need slapping out of my indecision but it’s not an insignificant amount of £££ and I want to get it right. Should I stick with AB ? My electric bill can’t withstand class A or valve regardless of sound quality. 

Also what’s the thoughts on NAD in general, I’m my youth they were good amps, but then so were Pioneer. 
 

nosleeptilldownload
mesch
3,469 posts
 

Check out the Music Fidelity 2si.  A good sounding line level integrated amplifier in your price range I believe. Class A/B. 

erik_squires
16,017 posts
 

OP:

Well most of your post seems related to Class-D in general, and the title was about Class D, not NAD, and those hesitations and questions are roads well traveled here.

NAD has promoted a hybrid-Class D in some amps, but not others, so I’m not sure if it was an experiment that didn’t go far or if it’s become core, or if there wasn’t enough benefit vs the basic Hypex Class D amplifier designs they are using.

Honestly I thought they did a poor job of promoting the hybrid part. My desktop 3020D for instance is one of those hybrid designs and it’s great but I don’t really challenge it.

My suggestion, which was implied in my first post, is to ignore 100% of the literature on Class D and actually listen to the amp you want to buy, preferably with the speakers you want to buy.

If it helps, I went from Parasound to Class D to Luxman.  At no point in using the Class D amp did I think "Oh, well this is a problem unique to class D", or "this sounds like class D."  so I encourage anyone thinking of buying to stop thinking Class D vs. the world and focus on budget, features and sound quality that you can actually hear. 

ghdprentice
6,871 posts
 

I am an old audiophile and must admit to being suspicious of this completely new class if amp when released, particularly as they a flea weight.

 

When first released there was a lot of hype about perfect sound and then a collapse as everyone realized they just didn’t sound that good. Then year by year they got better sounding. I have heard some contemporary Class D in my system. They can sound very good.

But the thing is, it depends on exactly how much you have to spend, your musical taste and system. Say you have $X to spend… maybe there is a class D that would be the very best sounding amp for you… but had your budget been $2X then some class AB would have been the best for you.

So, I would not stay clear of Class D. You need to carefully audition any high end amp to be sure it has the sound you want and fits in with your system.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,107 posts
 

Class D is good stuff these days. Try it and find out for yourself if interested.

I started with Class D about 14 years ago in part as an experiment prior to adding more tubes and never looked back. It’s even better technology today. All tubes are now gone. No regrets.

I run a Cambridge Evo 150 and an older Bel Canto c5i. Both are always dead quiet …zero noise issues if that helps put your concerns to rest.

Have heard other NAD Class D and can highly recommend.  The new integrated with the meters caught my eye and looks way cool. 
 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
965 posts
 

If you can certainly audition especially at your rig.

I ran a PS Audio S300 with a tube pre with much satisfaction. Moved to class A/B just to give it a try as I found a deal on a good amp and my speakers are bit sparkely at high levels. But would not hesitate to go back as most of my listening is at lower levels these days. PS Audio has a try and by in the USA but not sure about across the pond. Read the reviews on the Wyred4sound offerings as they have much experience with class D implementations and have units in your price range.

 

I have even seen the PS Audio M700 Mono blocks used in your price range.

My S300 ran really cool temp.

 

Also, being that you appear to be in the UK see if you can get in front of a Quad Artera Stereo amp. They can be had used , in the USA anyway, in your price range. Class A/B, but great bang for the buck amp.

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