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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
bcgator's avatar
bcgator
355 posts
 
If you are listening to Diana Krall, and you hear Katy Perry, the problem is much larger than amplifier technology.   You either have one heck of a malfunctioning system, a set of speakers that were dropped out of a truck before being delivered to you, or you are experiencing neurological problems that require immediate medical attention.  I'm not being facetious...Katy Perry and Diana Krall sound nothing alike, aside from both being female.  If that's genuinely what your ears heard, you have bigger issues than deciding what amp to buy.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
seanheis1 OP

It seems like some companies are aware of this and add tube input stages to try and add harmonics and meat back to the bone.  
Yep, agreed Sean, that's called microphonics, colorations, distortions or euphonics, and not the real harmonics of the instruments or voice that are supposed to be there, but hey some people like it, each to their own.

Cheers George 
seanheis1 OP
627 posts
 
If you are listening to Diana Krall, and you hear Katy Perry, the problem is much larger than amplifier technology.   You either have one heck of a malfunctioning system, a set of speakers that were dropped out of a truck before being delivered to you, or you are experiencing neurological problems that require immediate medical attention. I'm not being facetious...Katy Perry and Diana Krall sound nothing alike, aside from both being female. If that's genuinely what your ears heard, you have bigger issues than deciding what amp to buy.

bcgator, it was an analogy. Diana Krall has a warm voice and the Ice Module made her voice sound cold and thin. Katy Perry has a cold and thin voice...hope that clears things up. ;-) 
Post removed 
nferre66
28 posts
 
I purchased a pair of Maggies earlier this year, and a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 monoblocks to drive them. While the performance was good, I had a feeling I could do better.

Posts like some of the above kept me from trying Class D. Magnepan themselves caution against it.

On a whim, I bought a Rogue Audio Pharaoh integrated that I saw posted here. I've not heard a Rogue I didn't like and didn't see them putting out something below their standards. I couldn't be happier and my system now uses 75% less power. The Pharoah drives the 1.7i wonderfully. 

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