Hi Guido,
In an earlier post, you asked if I would perform your FM radio test on my D-Sonic M3-600M class D mono-blocs. Yes, I will test them and report back results on this thread when done.
I'm currently use 3 class D amps in my combo 2-ch and 5.1 ht system:
D-Sonic M3-600M monos for R+L mains
ClassD Audio SDS-440CS stereo amp for rear surrounds
Emerald Physics EP100.2SE stereo amp, bridged to mono, for center channel.
So, I will test them all soon (including the Dayton Audio SA-1000 950 watt class A/B amp that now powers my 4 sub bass system.
You remain the class D Guru in my estimation. Like you, I have a strong interest in class D happenings and its evolution. Now that I've heard 3 class D amps in my system, although only 2 were compared on my mains with music, I can say they all have similar traits:
Extremely low noise floor- music and sound emerge from a dead quiet background. Without an input signal, I've turned the volume to near maximum and listened with my ear an inch from the speaker and it's still dead quiet.
Very detailed and neutral- the low noise floor is probably at least partially responsible for the high level of detail. All of these amps impart no particular sound of their own and present a clear and honest portrayal of recordings as well as the quality of upstream components. This results in great system performance when recordings and upstream components are of good quality. If either recordings or upstream components are subpar, however, these amps will make it obvious.
Very good bass response- muddy or loose bass is never an issue; as Mapman stated, the high damping factor typical on class D amps results in clean, taut bass without exaggeration that easily enables differentiation of the instruments producing it.
Relaxed and effortless- these amps never sound strained, overtaxed or restricted. This could be a function of high power, since they range from 440 to 1.200 watts into 4 ohms, but it may be a result of the topology, I'm not sure.
As others have mentioned, the other benefits of class D include small size, light weight, low heat and very low wattage at idle so they can be left on 24/7.
Mapman,
In a prior reply, you asked:
"Any familiarity with the Class D audio amps? These seem like they must be a great bargain. If the noise isolation is up to par with the latest and greatest as well, that might just be the icing on the cake."
Prior to buying the D-Sonics, I used a ClassD Audio SDS-440CS amp to power my mains for both 2-ch and ht for over 6 months. I would definitely classify this amp as a great bargain. For about $650 you get 220/440 watts into 8/4 ohms, respectively, along with all the virtues mentioned above. The 440 and the D-Sonics are similar in that they both are very neutral, detailed with solid bass and smooth midranges and trebles that are never harsh or fatiguing. The D-Sonics are more detailed with an even more effortless presentation and better dynamics. Since the price difference is about $1,200, I'd say that makes the ClassD Audio an excellent bargain. I'll report back on whether they have rf interference/leakage issues.
Tim
