Solid State Amplifier Advancements In A Decade

Its a good question. I'm sure better is possible for a price but not sure how much SS amps at various price points in general have advanced practically in the last decade whereas Class D is still perhaps the new kid on the block, but growing up fast, and offering new value that did not exist 10 years ago.

I've noticed much more linear "better" transistor design. Pre-driver and output driver transistors are just better. Replace the older ones with transistors of like specifications, especially the output drivers and you will hear a marked improvement in sound. It is more difficult than rolling tubes, but the same effect.

Also, better internal isolations and shielding for components.

I really haven't seen a major technological improvement in circuit design. regulators, power supply, circuit topology, etc. no real major changes. Just better components, layouts, etc. And as I wrote earlier, better transistors.

The best way to find new technology is to look at the recent patents that have been awarded in circuit design and see if Manufacturers have incorporated those into their new amp designs. I really haven't heard of much lately.

I think that many older amps are just as good as the new amps, if you update the transistors to newer, more linear transistors and maybe remove some extraneous circuitry that really isn't needed. Such as some protection circuitry. Nice to have, but really not needed for amplifications of signals. But, it does effect the sound, because it does touch the signal path.

It is kind of funny to me reading about tube amps and how owners roll tubes left and right with no after thought and people really don't realize that transistors (same specs) do and effect the sound exactly the same way. Just harder to get to on some amps.

Case in point. Mark Levinson 23.5. What a real PITA to work on.

My real point is that if you look at the circuit schematics of older and newer amp designs, you really won't see major differences in the very good amp designs. Just layout, component used and a few tricks.

That said, I haven't seen the Dartzeel amp schematic.

A visit to the patent office is in order.

enjoy

"I really haven't seen a major technological improvement in circuit design. regulators, power supply, circuit topology, etc. no real major changes. Just better components, layouts, etc. And as I wrote earlier, better transistors."

The above statement is pretty much what I believe is the case in the last 10 years, and is the reason that I created this post.

Can anyone refute the above quote?
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If I remember correctly, regarding advances in solid state amplifiers, Soulution was claiming to have developed a new method of eliminating switching distortion, or something like that with a novel and new method. I'm sure someone who owns one of their amps knows what I'm talking about and can clarify, but when I read the explanation in an Absolute Sound, it seemed like something new.

Extremely quiet SMPS operating at MHz frequencies and utilizing zero voltage zero current switching. Such power supplies are not only extremely quiet but also have line/load regulation. You can find them in all newest Jeff Rowland amps (including class AB). He also uses SPMS in preamps (Capri) to keep noise low.

Benchmark got rid of linear power supply, used in DAC1, replacing it with SMPS in DAC2, resulting in 10dB lower noise floor. Their brand new ABH2 class AB power amp also has SMPS resulting in S/N=132dB.

Also, in addition to improvements in discrete semiconductors integrated components like OpAmp, Buffers, Instrumentation Amps, etc. got much better.

Many amplifiers are built now using surface mount components. It is significant quality improvement since SMT process is very repeatable making country of origin pretty much irrelevant (that way Apple delivers high quality products, all made in China).