Digital Amplifier Questions

One other thing I would note about Class D amps is that they typically seem to have very high damping factors. That will play well with larger speakers taht can benefit with more control of the driver movements as a result of the high damping factor. My large OHm F5s use a 12" walsh style driver known to benefit from high damping in terms of bass control and articulation and that is in fact the result.

Due to high damping, Class D amps can come off as somewhat lean in other speakers. That is the case with my smaller Triangle monitors in particular. I have those set up accordingly to compensate and the results are still quite top notch. My Dynaudio monitors are more in between. I like the clean taut articulate bass that results with them as set up (see my system pics) but I could easily see where some might consider the sound a bit too lean despite the fact that the bas is all there and very detailed and accurate. it just won't be shaking the rafters, at least on most recordings.

OK Guido, now you've accelerated my desire to add a pair of pangea ac9 cords to my amps to go with the AC14ses on my line level gear.

I guess it never ends. :^}

B, I think excellent recommendations from Guidocorona. I know he has a big interest in Class D amps and probably has actually heard and spent time comparing the most of just about anyone I am aware of in these parts.

Hi Mapman, what is fascinating is that the NCore NC1200 modules do not seem to leak RF into the air regardless of power supply design.... Merrill Veritas use the basic non regulated Hypex SMPS that matches the power conversion module... While Rowland M925 uses a custom massive multi-regulated SMPS.... Neither amps generate any extra noise in an FM tuner operating near them.

Perhaps Tim can do the test on his D-Sonic powered by the AbleTech module and tell us results.

All, please note that if some RF leak occurs, that does not mean at all that the particular class D amp does not generate good music... the ICEpower ASP1000-based Bel Canto Ref1000 Mk.2 and Rowland M312 remain absolutely marvelous amps... Just do not stack an FM tuner just on top of them.

G.

That's interesting to hear.

I know the technology continues to evolve and noise isolation is an important part of the overall equation.

I find with the BC ref1000m, with just a little physical isolation from other components, as seen in my system picture, the only noise issues I encounter is with unshielded ICs. The DNM Reson ICs are my preferred ones in my main system and I am able to use those to good effect from pre-amp to amps, but I do have to play with the physical location/path of teh wires to avoid RF noise. With other more common shielded ICS, it is not an issue. I With things set up properly, I can put my ear up to the isotar tweeters in the Dynaudios and hear nothing with no music playing. So its just a matter of proper setup to provide teh extra touch of isolation needed, which is never a bad thing to consider doing.