"I'm Willing to go back to separates if I have to, just it would be nice to have the choice without it being a huge compromise."
Understood. But it's also a matter of how long you're willing to wait, correct? As you know, there's definitely advantages to both. I consider the flexibility to upgrade either pre or amp at any time especially useful at this point in class D amp technology's development. The use of very fast switching GaN FETs in class D amps allows significant reductions in transistor dead-time which directly results in significant reductions in distortion levels and according to many initial reviews, significant improvements in subjective sound quality.
The use of GaN FETs in class D amps has already begun but thus far has been limited to use in only the relatively higher priced amps. At about $3 each, these GaN FETs are not expensive in absolute terms but only in relative terms when compared to the cost of silicon based MOSFETs that have been typically used in class D amps.
Even if class D amp makers and assemblers weren't easily able to pass on the costs of $3 GaN FETs to consumers, I believe the competitive advantage gained by using these new FETs would still provide sufficient incentive for most to utilize them in their more affordably priced class D amps rather quickly.
I also believe the current shortage you noticed in the number of currently available class D integrated amps may be related to the new GaN FETs since numerous amp makers may have scrapped plans for introducing integrated class D amp models using traditional MOSFETs and decided instead to redesign them using the superior GaN FETs, which would cause delays and result in an apparent shortage.
Of course, the above is admittedly all suppositions on my part based on my current likely limited knowledge and definitely limited logical reasoning capacity. I welcome the commencement of punching holes in my suppositions and reasoning by all members and readers.
In the highly unlikely case there are no holes to be punched, however, I would suggest you have 3 reasonable options:
1. Wait for an integrated class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements to be available.
2. Switch back to separates and wait for a class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements to be available.
3. Switch back to separates, buy a good used class D amp using the current MOSFETs and update to a new or used class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements at a future time of your choosing.
I think option 3 may be an especially attractive option if you're willing to wait until there are more affordable class D amps available using the new GaN FETs since there'll probably be a glut of good class D amps using the inferior MOSFETs on the used market at bargain prices. I'm fairly certain you could buy my excellent sounding D-Sonic M3-600-M class D monos in like-new condition at a bargain price if you're willing to wait.
Tim
Understood. But it's also a matter of how long you're willing to wait, correct? As you know, there's definitely advantages to both. I consider the flexibility to upgrade either pre or amp at any time especially useful at this point in class D amp technology's development. The use of very fast switching GaN FETs in class D amps allows significant reductions in transistor dead-time which directly results in significant reductions in distortion levels and according to many initial reviews, significant improvements in subjective sound quality.
The use of GaN FETs in class D amps has already begun but thus far has been limited to use in only the relatively higher priced amps. At about $3 each, these GaN FETs are not expensive in absolute terms but only in relative terms when compared to the cost of silicon based MOSFETs that have been typically used in class D amps.
Even if class D amp makers and assemblers weren't easily able to pass on the costs of $3 GaN FETs to consumers, I believe the competitive advantage gained by using these new FETs would still provide sufficient incentive for most to utilize them in their more affordably priced class D amps rather quickly.
I also believe the current shortage you noticed in the number of currently available class D integrated amps may be related to the new GaN FETs since numerous amp makers may have scrapped plans for introducing integrated class D amp models using traditional MOSFETs and decided instead to redesign them using the superior GaN FETs, which would cause delays and result in an apparent shortage.
Of course, the above is admittedly all suppositions on my part based on my current likely limited knowledge and definitely limited logical reasoning capacity. I welcome the commencement of punching holes in my suppositions and reasoning by all members and readers.
In the highly unlikely case there are no holes to be punched, however, I would suggest you have 3 reasonable options:
1. Wait for an integrated class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements to be available.
2. Switch back to separates and wait for a class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements to be available.
3. Switch back to separates, buy a good used class D amp using the current MOSFETs and update to a new or used class D amp using the new GaN FETs that meets your performance and budget requirements at a future time of your choosing.
I think option 3 may be an especially attractive option if you're willing to wait until there are more affordable class D amps available using the new GaN FETs since there'll probably be a glut of good class D amps using the inferior MOSFETs on the used market at bargain prices. I'm fairly certain you could buy my excellent sounding D-Sonic M3-600-M class D monos in like-new condition at a bargain price if you're willing to wait.
Tim