What are the best GaN Amplifiers available today?

I have the older stereo Class D Audio GaN amp and I use a Luxman CL-38 Uc tube preamp.

@t_ramey I use Schitt Freya which has passive and 2 active level modes.   I’ve used both gain levels with the Class D Audio amp depending on SPL needed. Have not tried the passive but the Class D amp has adjustable input gain jumper switch on the back. I use default setting but gain could be increased to better match passive mode in theory (have not tried,  active modes are top notch). Just be sure to securely set the input sensitivity jumper if you change it.  

@t_ramey I own the Class D mono blocks. Running them with a VAC Renaissance MkV preAmp. 
I am wondering how many $$$ I’d have to spend for any meaningful sonic improvement. 
They have to be in any discussion regarding the best bang for buck amplifiers. 
@2psyop stopped by to hear the system and I think he thought they were worthy. 
If your DAC has a built in pre try it. You might be surprised. 
 

I’ve had the stereo Class D Audio GaN amp for the past week and it’s been great. Lots of detail but also very musical and engaging. Vocals sound natural and the soundstage has nice depth and width while separating instruments perfectly. Makes me wonder how the monoblocks would sound here.
 

I noticed things got better when I switched to a preamp with gain as the active but no gain Truth preamp had to be pushed to much. I have a little Topping A70 Pro that can be used as a separate preamp and when it was inserted everything really clicked into place. Very holographic and hearing much more into the music. 
 

Curious what other owners of the Class D Audio GaN amps are using for a preamp and how it works for them. And has anybody heard the stereo amp and monoblocks in your system with any added benefits to sound and staging?

This stereo amp for a $1k is a smoking deal. 

@lula Steve Huff (on Youtube) did a review of both the AGD and Laiv Harmony GaNM. He also spoke briefly in a separate video about the differences between the two that he heard, if you care to do some research on his Youtube channel.

I know there are some that don't care for Steve but I usually find his opinions pretty accurate.

@lula 

The AGD, IMHO sounded like it has a tube sound  organic and palpable, but it has details on the music sounding like a good SS amp. similar to my Pass. it has great control on woofers, bass sound very controlled, tout and not a lot of boom

the Laiv is more flowing, more tubey sounding, a lot of PRAT. music flows more easily in my opinion. it too has good control of the woofers. Bass is a bit tout, but not like the AGB..

the speaker are not identical, so I will claim, the comparison may not bee exact or better still not a good apple to apple comparison. it was just the way they sounded like when i heard them. 

Note, the AGD will allow the user to Roll the tube (actually the GAN module itself) that is housed inside a tube looking chassis.

@joeycastillo 

Can you describe the differences you heard between the Laiv and AGD.....Audion version I assume?

All I can tell you is that the Laiv Ganm are much better that the first versions of the AGD Tempo de Gan. 

@t_ramey please let us know your thoughts after auditing the Class D GaN stereo version.

I recently heard the Laiv mono and the AGD. both are very good. I believe Gan tech has become so good in the last couple of years that they can be the better choice for Power amps compared to standard AB or even class A. 

Thanks @mapman for the reply. Just placed an order to try the stereo version you linked. The fact you’ve heard AGD and others gives a good vote of confidence for the class d audio amps. 

@t_ramey this one (stereo).  https://classdaudio.com/product/premium-gan-6-5-400w-2-channel-audio-power-amplifier-silver/

Soundstage is top notch.   Listening to it now driving my big Ohm F5s.  Also use it to drive a KEF ls50 meta + powered sub combo.  I’d have to say the advertised claims are quite legitimate.  Probably the best amp I have used. 
 

@hbarrel  Thanks for the response and that’s good to know they don’t take long to settle in. I got sucked in to the soundstage depth from the little Douk A5 amp with sparkos opamps and when I tried the SMSL GaN amp the detail and focus was much improved but the soundstage is more forward. Would love to combine both the detail and focus with depth and layering, without an arm and a leg to cost me.

@t_ramey I have the mono blocks. I think they have a nice sound stage. 
Class D does offer a try it trial period. Which essentially means the consumer has nothing to lose other than return shipping costs. 
I found the break-in time to be not short. I’m guessing 50 hours. Or more. 

Thanks lak, somehow I missed that mapman owns the class d audio amps.

Hi @mapman, do you own the stereo or monoblock amps from class d audio? How do you describe the soundstage? Thanks for any feedback.

@t_ramey, contact mapman on Audiogon.

Laiv GaNM, in my system has good soundstage depth and layering unfortunately I have not heard any other Gan amps for a comparison.

Hi @lak , do you know someone with the class d audio GaN amps that has shared their impressions? I’m interested to know if they’re good at soundstage depth and layering. I recently got an SMSL pa-x GaN amp and while it’s great at detail retrieval it’s not the greatest at depth beyond the speakers. 
 

How is the depth on your Laiv amps?

I am in Metro Detroit if anybody would like to come buy and listen to the Laiv Ganm. 
Hard to come by an audition with no US dealers and no free trial. 

@lak my house to Bass Pro is 2 hrs 15 minutes.

I will be gone the end of the month and most Saturday’s are taken up until the leaves fall. 

Argent Pur have entered the market using an Orchard board but everything else supplied or modified by them, using, naturally, a lot of silver.  Initial reports are promising.

@hbarrel Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

@mapman mine is also the latest generation. 
@lak live in Indiana? And have a proclivity for fast motorcycles? 

I've heard Atmasphere and AGD and own the latest Class D Audio Gan model.

They are all very good at very different price points.  

The Class D audio is the least expensive by far.  Frankly I don't know what more one could ask for in an amp.  More bling perhaps?   It excels in every way sound-wise, is most compact, and very nice looking in its own unique pseudo-industrial way.   Very good build quality and made in the USA as well.  Direct sale with no dealers involved helps keep the cost down.   Highly recommended!

@lak 44260 the land of the Mogs.

I own the LAIV Harmony GaNM but I have heard the new Class D GaNM are very good. I’d like to hear them since I almost purchased a pair.

@hbarrel where abouts are you located?

Looks like you are somewhat close. I could bring a pair over and be there in a couple of hours or so.

I’d love for someone to bring their amplifier over and do a comparison in my system. 
I have fully broke in mono amps from Class D Amplifiers. 
For sure they are not perfect. But also not exorbitantly priced products. 

Thank You for sharing your experience with the Liav amplifiers. Your experience with the T+A DAC 200 had helped me. So will look forward to hearing back after your trial period and what you decided.

It’s kinda tough to compare as I am running the Laiv Ganm directly from my T&A Dac 200, where my Coda CSiB is naturally an integrated. 
The Ganm’s are extremely fast with great tone and are extremely transparent . Not as beefy as the Coda but much more micro detail. I think for me the Laiv are a great match for my speakers. (Borresen X3) 

I dropped the Laiv over to my buddy to try on his Revel Salon’s. Tough speaker to drive. He has older but modified and upgraded Roland 2 piece mono blocks with seperate power supplies. I think he likes the Ganm better. 
 

Everything is synergy in putting our systems together. Don’t know till you try. The Ganm are returnable within 30 days but there is a 250 restock fee. ( Free shipping though) 

@benzman 

Based on your comments, I think these are much better than the Class AB amplifiers you have owned? When the break-in is complete, please provide some details on how the Liav amplifiers upped the game and improved your listening experience.

I am breaking in a pair of Laiv Ganm and they are pretty awesome

Interesting  No Questions yet !

so allow me to ask you ,,,,

is it mighty GM 70 Amps ?

is it Tektron 2a3/50M Amps (it can take 45,2a3,300B,VT 52,Sophia 206, 6b4g, 46 tubes)

Do we have to spend thousands of  $$$$$$ to enjoy listening music ? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI0PeIfivCo&t=93s&pp=ygUcaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9iaTBwZWlmaXZjbw%3D%3D

@milpai 

i apologize. I obviously have the wrong name. 

@response34 

I never said I owned the class D Red Dragon amplifiers.

@milpai 
I do own the class D Red Dragon monoblocks
 

Do you own his newer stuff or the units he released about 15 years ago. The originals. 

Quite the endorsement Lak given your equipment thank you!

@milpai

I have not heard any other GaN amps but after reading several reviews and watching some reviews on YouTube I felt comfortable with my purchase and if I did not care for the LAIV GaNM I could have returned it, but I'm very happy with my purchase. I do own the class D Red Dragon monoblocks and the Class D Audio Stereo amp.

I was considering the Orchard STARKRIMSON MONO ULTRA PREMIUM, the Atma-Sphere Class D, the AGD The Audion MKIII, and the Premium GaN Mono-Block amplifiers from Class D Audio.

Since I own the LAIV DAC and their UDDC I thought I'd stay with the synergy they will create. 

All the amps you mentioned above are good solid choices and you can't go wrong.

@lak 

No issues at all. Being on this site for about 20 years now - I very well know the "regulars" and you are one of them!

Good to know that the LAIV have provided you with a realistic sound - especially when you have experienced all the very nice amps. Something to consider in the future, if I have to change my amplifier. Any other Class D topology that you have experinced Vs GaN amps? I am intrigued by the NAD M23 V2 or AGD. But then again I read a thread where a Coda S5.5 (Class A 50Watts) sounded much more powerful than a Pass 250.8 (250Watts). Confusing to make a decision without hearing one. Thanks for the feedback about the LAIV.

@milpai I'm not ignoring your question, I presently don't have the time to correctly answer. If this helps, I currently own and use the following amps and integrated amps;

Allnic T-1500 300B, Luxman 590 AX II, Plinius SA Reference, Coincident Frankenstien MK IV monoblocks, Coincident Frankenstien 300B Stereo, CJ Classic 60, Red Dragon 500 monoblocks.

Thus far I have not found any cons for the LAIV GaNM. What I do like about the LAIV GaNM is the music sounds more realistic with micro details being more pronounced.

@lak ,

What was your previous amplifier? Can you please describe the changes that the LAIV brought to your system - pros and cons - if you don't mind?

S.H. 🤭

I take Steve Huff's reviews as seriously as I take any review on YT. 

@f1a I own the LAIV Harmony GaNM monoblocks. They sound very good. I suggest you watch the Youtube video that Steve Huff did regarding the monoblocks, I agree with his review. Other reviewers also have reviews out on Youtube, so far all is very good.

Anyone hear LAIV’s offering yet?

So far I am satisfied with Class D Audio’s mono blocks. Gonna say it takes around fifty hours for them to start settling in. That is all the older they are. 

Not ClassD bust I do have GaN amplifiers from AGD and Gold Note. Have also had the pleasure of listening to the GaN amps built by Ralph at Atma-Sphere. 

Anyone have experience with the latest ClassD Audio GaN 6. It may be below everyone’s pay grade.

If you're patient you can pick up a LSA Voyager GaN 350 (dual mono in single chassis) and send it to Tweak Audio for mods, which would be serious bang for < $3000

Thanks. Just confirmed a Dutch hacker messed up my website buddy's sites. Should be fixed by Friday latest. Sigh. Feel free to reach out at ernest_meunier@msn.com in the meantime, or call me at 781 526 3860 anytime.

ErnieM

Yes, it doesn't work