High End Amp Price Collapse musings

blackfly

... Class D in the bass is penultimate (again, the reason it is the best amp for subs), go out and directly compare it to a Luxman M 800, or Accuphase A 200.  No dice.

Penultimate to what? Your statement doesn't make any sense. In any event, I haven't met a Class D amp that compares with the best of the "conventional" amps. Of course, I haven't heard them all.

I also agree that Class-D is not the end all be all for subs.  They're used in subs because they are cheap and can put out lots of power.  I've owned a couple of subs with Class-D subs and one with a traditional A/B external amplifier (RBH).  To my ear it was much more natural sounding when used with music.

hk_fan

... Class-D is not the end all be all for subs.  They're used in subs because they are cheap and can put out lots of power ...

Agreed! There's no question that when it comes to size, weight, price and power consumption, it's tough to top Class D. As for sound quality ... that's another matter altogether.

Class D can be SOTA in sound on all frequencies. Need to hear some of the best Class D to know that. Remember, those economical  Class D amps in subs and speakers do not speak to the whole market of Class D offerings. 

blackfly

I did read your post before responding.  You said Class D "has a longs ways to go..." (without mentioning any Class D amps that you have listened to).  I gave my opinion that it doesn't have a long way to go and in previous posts compared it to some high end amplifiers I've owned, including a Class A ATI amplifier that cost over $2000.00, 20 years ago.  

You also said "go out and directly compare it to a Luxman M 800, or Accuphase A 200. No Dice."  That statement is illogical and even a little arrogant since you are judging the Luxman and the Accuphase against the NAD without listening to the NAD.  You make blanket statements as to why Class A has to be the best and D Class basically sucks.  From your bold statements, I'm sure an ATI without it's fancy chassis and lacking an inflated price tag would never be welcome in your home.