2. amps-preamps
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Class D = Trash?

So, I'm on my second class D amp. The first one, a Teac AI-301DA which claimed to use an ICE module, was unlistenable trash. I burned it in for a few weeks, it just couldn't perform, so I sent it back. Following that, I tried the new Emotiva A-300 (class A/B). It was significantly better, but lacking in too many ways for my tastes. So I changed gears, got an 845 SET from China -- and it was an immediate and massive improvement.

So, before I went further down the SET road, I wanted to try a better class D product using a modern class D module. I settled on the D-Sonic M3-800S with the Pascal module and custom input stage. I read from reviews that these things like to have big cables, so I picked up an eBay 8 gauge power cable (Maze Audio, el-cheapo Oyaide copy plugs, braided 4-wire cable) to go along with it.

Mid-range GONE.
Soundstage depth CRUSHED.
Euphonics DISAPPEARED.

Yes, resolution went up. Driver control went up, allowing me to play compressed rock/pop and orchestra with the speakers being able to render it all. But enjoyment in the sound is basically gone. Using my best power cable (LessLoss Original) improved performance, but didn't fundamentally change the amp's nature. I ran back to my headphones (Focal Utopias) to detox my ear canals.

So, how long does a class D need to burn-in? I want to give it a fair shake before writing the technology off forever. 
madavid0
retrofunk
15 posts
 
I have had a number of Amps; SS, Tube, Class D. 3 years ago I replaced my Cary V12R (Tube), with a Bel Canto, then I (in my opinion) upgraded to a Spectron Musician III with the remote sense cables (I will be listing this next week), I recently upgraded again to the Merrill Audio Thor Monoblock's. For reference my pre-amp is a Vac Signature Mkiia with Phono Stage, I have various turntables, a Bluesound Vault and the Speakers are Dynaudio C1's.
IMO the Thor Monoblock's are without doubt the best Amps I ever owned and frankly one of the best I have heard. In my set up, having a quality pre-amp helps, the Dynaudio's love power - the bass comes alive. I am not an audiophile, do not have 'golden ears etc so I cannot talk about 'Blackness', "Presence', 'Soundstage' etc....all I can tell you is that I have asked friends to pick their favourite track, then sat them in the best position to listen and walked out the room. I come back in and they are speechless, one even cried ...but i expect the wine had something to do with that! 
To the original question, Merrill recommends 500 plus hours of burn in. I'm 49 years old, I am sure the frequency spectrum I hear is not the same as when I was 19...but for me... I am hearing the best reproduction of music I have ever heard in my life. Again, just my opinion, and we all have one !!! LOL 
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

@ mmrkaic


On the contrary, I enjoy the sound of good class D as much as good class A/B and even some tubes.


My own Rowland M925 amps, for one thing, sport NCore NC1200 modules, and run in class D.


G.

 

guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

@ jonasandezekiel


If the amps are a recent purchase, they may not be properly broken in. Give them some 1000 hours of break-in... They should have sweetened considerably, and the bass should be rendered OK. However, until now, W4S has not been one of the Class D brands with a house sound that has delighted me at RMAF.


G.



guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

@ retrofunk


I have not heard the Thors yet, but I have tested at length the Merrill Audio Veritas and Teranis... My friend Merril makes wonderful amplifiers indeed, so I am not at all surprised that you are enchanted by the Thors. With 500 hours, your Thors will sound great, but they might continue to bloom further for as many more hours... Feed them some white noise or FM interstation hash at lowish volume whenever you are not listening to them, including night time... That will maximize the break-in speed.


G.


wgutz
85 posts
 
Wake up Call to all those firmly asleep:

Class D has and will continue to have a great future in Audiophile systems. The key is Sigma-Delta processing. Without it, yes these are harsh and mostly useless products. With it, it all comes together. Do your research on-line and in home and you will recognize this technology and understand. If not, take more Valium.

Vincent Raptor
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