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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
seanheis1 OP
627 posts
 
Now after a very positive upgrade of my ht rig from a pair of emotiva space heaters to a single nuforce class d i am ready to be convinced.
Which Nurforce did you buy? Any idea who makes their modules? 
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi seanheis1, I am not sure what circuit components are most prone to evolving during break-in.... I suspect that it is just about everything, from resistors, caps, boards, conducting traces, grounding surfaces, connectors, dyelectrics.... According to Jeff ROwland, capacitors and transformers are particularly slow at breaking in.... And am not sure what is the electro-magnetic phenomenon at play either.   I only know that I invariably experience significant audible evolution during break-in.... And it is not a particularly linear phenomenon either..... there are lots of dips and peaks during this period.... Gradually tapering off.


ICEpower modules seem particularly unattractive out of the box.... a more benign break-in curve can be experienced with NCore NC1200 and Pascal M-Pro2.... But do not expect miracles from any brand new class-D amp.... My experience is that patience does remain Golden *Grins!*

 



jtsnead's avatar
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jtsnead
217 posts
 
Hey Quido, a correction on the REF600's they use the NC1200 switching power supply but with the NC500 output board, so does the Acoustic Imagery Atsah 500's and the Nord One Up mono amps, these two amps are around 2K
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
It is the NuForce MCA20 which is based on the sta-100 modules I think?
Various reports state they only get better with burn in time and if that is the case then I will be even happier!
Last night we watched terminator genysis which is very heavy on gunshots, explosions and all round action and the sound effects were truly stunning with our full 7.1 system, vast improvement over the old Emotivas, and this is with barely 20 hours run time on it.























probekk
5 posts
 

Uberwaltz,

Like 1markr I'd recommend the Red Dragon S500.  I've had mine for almost a year, and although it may not yet be fully burned in (I don't listen for many hours each week) I am really pleased with the sound: clear, transparent, very well-controlled and articulate bass, natural-sounding treble, and well balanced overall.  Because I live in Britain it was more expensive for me to obtain than it is for you in the USA, but I'm very glad I bought it.   As you get a 45-days return option you can really hear what it's like in your room and with your equipment.

The rest of my equipment resembles yours: Esoteric X-05 SACD player, Townshend Allegri preamp, and B&W 804S speakers. 

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