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The Future of Audio Amplification

I have recently paired an Audio Research DS225 Class D amplifier with an Audio Research tube preamplifier (SP8 mkii). I cannot believe how wonderful and lifelike my music sounds. The DS225 replaced an Audio Research SD135 Class AB amplifier. Perhaps the SD135 is just not as good as some of the better quality amps that are out there, but it got me thinking that amazingly wonderful sonance can be achieved with a tubed pre and Class D amp. I have a hunch that as more people experience this combination, it will likely catch on and become the future path of many, if not most audiophile systems. It is interesting that Audio Research has been at the forefront of this development.
distortions
aolmrd1241
1,036 posts
 
kosst_amojan said... "people replacing SMPS's every day and every guy who's ever worked on CNC machines. There's nothing cheaply or poorly engineered about Mazak or Haas machine tools and they can't seem to make these power supplies last."   


Heat buildup inside any CNC machine beyond the intended tolerances of said machine will most definitely put a strain on all internal parts. Not to mention the vibration from motors and the humid conditions in and around the machines from in shop humidity levels and the coolants used to reduce friction. There are many variables in an industrial setting to make any well designed piece of equipment go south in a hurry...  
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hello George, as far as I know there were no "evaluation boards" of any kind in the Merrill Element 118 prototype. The circuit is entirely designed/implemented by Merrill from the ground up using discrete components, including the in-circuit application of GaN transistors.


For more information, you may want to contact the company.


Regards, G.


    

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Where are some of you guys getting Class D as digital. Class D is not digital.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

For more information, you may want to contact the company.


Regards, G.

If they are using these EPC GaN transistors in this prototype, the only reason would be to be able to attain a far higher switching frequency speeds to 1.5mhz like Technics with the SE-R1. Can you point to a link where you saw this is stated??

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Just found it, as yes they do state because of the GaN transistors  ""which allows fast switching"  but it puzzle me that they don't state how fast they switch at like Technics does at 1.5mhz. 
And just like the Technics not cheap either at $36k

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1018/Merrill_Audio_Element_118_Monoblock_Amplif...

Cheers George
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