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Class D Technology

So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,517 posts
 

Mapman, I looked into Class D as I can no longer deal with heavy amps. (back issues) My all in one Lyngdorf weights about 20 pounds. I still have one tube amp that I use on occasion with the Lyngdorf. When my tube amp is being used I use the  pre, dac and room correction portion of my Lyngdorf as the front end. I can compare the Lyngdorf  amplification to my tube amp. The Lyngdorf is better overall and does not impart a particular sound that I would define as SS, PP tube, or SET tube. It just sounds right.

I just enjoy working on point to point wired tube gear and like the look and feel of tube gear. My love for tube gear is probably more emotional and tactile than sonically based. At least this is now true based on the wonderful sound quality of the Lyngdorf.

The neat thing is the Lyngdorf's room correction passes the ideal signal through my tube amp making it perform better than it would normally.

Like you mentioned, I am now able to enjoy Class H and tube amplification in the same room, with the same gear,  when I choose. Not two systems, but two options which is fun.

seanheis1 OP
629 posts
 
Does anybody know what causes the dead silences in songs that is a characteristic of Class D? Is it the output filter or dead time? I really noticed this with my Ice Module and couldn’t figure out if the amp wasn’t allowing for the music to decay or if it was something else causing the inky blackness.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,874 posts
 
Its not 'dead time'! I would not expect the filter to have anything to do with it either.


mapman's avatar
mapman
22,373 posts
 
It’s just dead quiet ie very low noise floor seemingly. Not sure why or how. Its a characteristic of both my BEl Canto Class D amps, but is especially noticeable with the all digital C5i integrated (no tubes upstream).
redhouse
10 posts
 
Lots of good discussion here. Going back to OP, I would simply answer that there are few really good reasons to own any amp other than sound. 

Like others, I've owned and / or auditioned solid state, single ended, push-pull, OTL, Class A & A/B. Some behemoths, some hibachis. If the sound was good, I never spent much time thinking about efficiency, heat, form factor, etc.

I had a chance to audition Merrill Thor and Veritas and the sound convinced me. Both were better than anything I've heard before. I bought the Veritas and could not be happier, but the performance to price point on the Thor is simply incredible. Yeah, it's nice that the Class D amps are small, cool, efficient,etc, but in my experience there was no trade off in sonics - only improvement. 

I think it's more likely that taste may vary (YTMV) and that's OK. But if you value open, relaxed, quiet, highly dynamic with expansive soundstage, there is no reason IMO not to investigate Class D amplification.

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