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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
erik_squires
16,245 posts
 
I've been living with ICEPower based amps for six months, I don't hear any of the issues being discussed, and my speakers have extension beyond 30kHz.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Is there no need to advance in this direction in raising the switching frequency then?? Too many myself included think it is.

Quote from manufacturer of these new transitors, who btw invented the Mosfet power transistor.
" Higher PWM switching frequencies allow for a higher audio bandwidth, and hence higher-frequency output filters. As a side benefit, this higher-frequency output filter allows for smaller output filter components (especially, the Inductors) without compromising the sonic performance.

In addition to offering higher audio bandwidths (which is increasingly important for the new high-definition audio requirements), the increased PWM switching rates also allow for more moderate output filter slopes, which offer more linear performance without introducing higher levels of residual switching noise."

Cheers George
seanheis1 OP
627 posts
 
I've been living with ICEPower based amps for six months, I don't hear any of the issues being discussed, and my speakers have extension beyond 30kHz. 
 
Some folks hear the issues and others don't. Some folks are really sensitive to phase/point source issues or maybe they focus on the image across the soundstage. If someone told me that the image was off, I would just shrug and keep enjoying my gear/music because it's not something that I notice.    
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,430 posts
 
Speakers shift phase much more (in opposite direction) at higher frequencies.  Imaging should be OK as long as phase in both channels match (no reason not to).  As for the switching noise - I cannot hear 500kHz, but I'm pretty sure some people here will claim they can.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I cannot hear 500kHz
Nobody can hear 500khz, it the filter that has to deal with it and what's left over and the byproducts of it that is the problem.

Read the link and carefully try to absorb it.
http://epc-co.com/epc/GaNTalk/Post/13752

Cheers George
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