High End Amp Price Collapse musings

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.

Time to chime with my direct a/b comparo
BAT VK600SE vs Red Dragon S500
Everything else the same, just swapping leads between the bat and the red dragon.

Hate to say it but it looks like the 120lb space heater is going to be looking for a new home.

I honestly thought the Red Dragon beat the BAT out on soundstage, noise floor and vocals.
The BAT may have aced it on low bass, not too surprising.
All in all the class d just sounded plain "nice" for want of a better word, no fatigue or lack of warmth, at least not to my ears, in my system with my music

Not so deep into the future we may have trouble finding brand new cheap Class AB power amplifiers.  If anything, it might be wise to buy one now if that's what you might want down the road.  Of course, a used Class AB might be available <$1000 but will the company/service manuals still be around and how soon will it need recapping and other service?