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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
You should do a study to see if class d amp sound quality correlates strongly to switching frequency alone.
I have, done numerous bench/listening tests, and tried to come up with my own cascaded output filters like Belcanto I believe did with their 600ref monos, but doing filters this way has a other set of problems (interactive ringing) if your familiar trying cascaded filters for speaker xovers.
Mark Levinson with their no53 also tried it but that fell a bit foul with a Stereophile review/measurements.

Cheers George
seanheis1 OP
631 posts
 
 New class AB amp from Benchmark ABH2 also utilizes SMPS resulting in 132dB dynamic range.  
They had to cut costs somewhere to hit that $2995 price point. The dynamic range and THD numbers, while appearing to be unusually good, may be partly the result of using too much negative feedback. I've never heard this amp, but too much negative feedback and you can end up with a soulless amp.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,525 posts
 
I've heard the Benchmark amp and was very impressed. 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,525 posts
 
Ah I see now glofi .    Let us know when you get it right.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
THD numbers, while appearing to be unusually good, may be partly the result of using too much negative feedback. I’ve never heard this amp, but too much negative feedback and you can end up with a soulless amp.
You’ve got that right, anyone who’s had an amp that’s had feedback level control, knows that too much can lead to worse sound, minium is best if you can keep the bass tight extended. I put them on all my tube amps that I made, to do it on s/s can be dangerous.

Cheers George
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