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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. 
 

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deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
70 posts
 

When looking at major brand Class D amplifiers that use amplifier modules from the big three manufacturers (Hypex, Purifi and ICE), be sure that you're getting the very latest and best sounding designs of these boards.

It is our opinion that the Hypex Nilai 500 and Hypex NCx500 (not NC500) are the current Best in Class.  Be sure to take a look at the reviews on these products.

The power supply used in these designs is also a very significant contributor to the overall audio performance.  Be sure that the power supply is one that has been designed or approved by the board manufacturer to be able to fully power the modules.  One common issue with third-party designs is they use multiple amplifier boards with a single power supply, which can severely limit the power output when all channels are driven.  It’s important to read the specs carefully. 

Deer Creek Audio is an authorized Hypex dealer.  We sell Hypex amplifiers that are pure Hypex designs with proven performance and reliability.  Check us out at deercreekaudio.com

 

alerrico
29 posts
 

NAD would probably be the only company I would consider a Class D amplifier from.  They have some really innovative hybrid designs and have a huge value for the money.  I used to only buy NAD.  This last time I went back to Class A and Parasound and it is much more musical to my ears.  plenty of reserve power without having to build power creates more dynamics and more realism.  Chances are I will never go back to class D...

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
276 posts
 

A friend of mine bought several mono blocks class D amps to drive his Maggie's.  They were in the Red Dragon class.  He has a Yggdrisal DAC Freya pre amp. He went with Two Vidars. His reason was the class was not as accurate in the high range, mid range because they were harsh in comparison to class AB. There was a velvet tone to voices not found in class D. I noticed this velvet in the mids on my DYI speakers when he was nice and let me try his when I was shopping.  He listens to electric guitar so that was important the upper range is smooth, not biting. The Vidar lacked some slam as mono blocks compared to the class D, but way made up on the low end and over all highs. Your speakers might react differently. I know class D can sound very good. I went the other direction with class AB tube on less demanding speakers.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 

Stereophile just released a review of the new HiFi Rose GaN Class D integrated that concluded the sound was essentially flawless and the value hard to beat. Not to mention the good looks! Just saying….

krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
100 posts
 

I understand Bruno Putzeys, a digital mathematical wizard who worked for Phillips and went on to found Mola Mola  has redefined Class D and is offering AMAZING SQ. Have never heard but many love their mono blocks. Maybe out of your budget however. 17k for 400 WPC.  I have their Tambaqui DAC which is simply incredible. I also just Makua preamp which is Class A and IS the BOMB 

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