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Class D amps,bang for your buck ones

Hello

First off,

I don't know much about class D amps, I did buy a Sonic Impact T-amp from Parts Express once to play with, I returned it because I don't have the speakers for it.

I did manage to hook it up to a pair of BIC Venturi horn speakers, and was floored with the clarity of the amp.

Those speakers had so many problems that I just didn't want to monkey with them, bad x-overs with busted pots,only sometimes could I get them to work right.

So, this leads me to my question.

Whats a high value class D amp with some hp/balls to drive normal speakers?

I'm looking for the Forte 4 of class D's, assuming (class D)is a tripath based/type amp.

Any suggestions or comments welcome.

I have an Accuphase pre and a minimax pre to use.

Thanks
mcgarick
mcgarick OP
277 posts
 
The Virtue Audio ONE.2 with the input caps upgraded to Sonicaps, sounds wonderful.

It's smooth, dynamic and musical, very transparent. I would say it is one of the best amps I've had so far.

It's been breaking in for 10 days or so and I expect it to get even better with more time on the unit.

I would like to try some other Class D amps just for fun. like the Nuforce power amps.

The real upgrade with this amp (beside the Sonicaps) was the power supply I'm using.

It's an Astron LS-10A power supply and it maxes out the voltage the Virtue can handle, and makes it sound very powerful. It's funny how this little amp puts out a huge sound,but I guess the power supply is also part of the amp, just separated by a power cord. But, you can hide the power supply and just have the little Virtue exposed and blow peoples minds with it.....
fun amp.
mcgarick OP
277 posts
 
For anyone investigating the Virtue amps, I recommend getting the TWO.2 amp instead of the ONE.2, because the TWO.2 will already have the better caps in it.

I personally thought the
Virtucaps that come with the ONE.2 and holds the amp way back.

The TWO.2 comes with Auricaps, which are superior.

But, I'm glad I got the Sonicaps, the sound is totally open with them.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Has anyone but me noticed that the W4S looks nearly identical to the PSAudio GCC series? I just looked at a backpanel photo from W4S and the differences are tough to spot.
Do (did) these amps come off the same line? Same sub? Did the PSAudio guys sell the 'rights' to the design to Wyred?

I'd like to compare the Wyred to my PSAudio in my system. Wouldn't surprise me to learn the differences could be covered by a single finger.....
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
There is a review of the W4S STI-1000 on 6moons. The pictures provided by the reviewers there are always a highlight. If you've ever looked under the hood of your PS Audio amp you could take a look at the pics and compare. It doesn't look to me that they are using the Gain Cell packs like the PS Audio gear. As you said though, the rear panel looks nearly identical.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Yes, Tim, I believe you are right. the GainCell is proprietary.

As a result, methinks, the input impedance of the PSAudio gear differs from that advertised for the ASP modules.

I'll check out the review, but am reluctant to crack a case at this time. It'd be a lot of hassle freeing it up.
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