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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
approximately 1500 hours break-in for Class-D.

Wishful thinking, more like breaking the owner down, more like it making him submit.

At 2hrs listening every day of the week, that's close to 2 years before break-in, that's just ludicrous, and you would have rocks in your head to leave any poweramp on while nobody's at home.

Cheers George

    
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toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
@sanvara - I had a crown xls1500 that sounded great. Recently bought a used pair of Ghent audio monoblocks and they sound even better.. they're using the ICEpower ASP modules, I believe. I was doubtful they'd sound better.. but they do.
everest_audio
285 posts
 
northernfox: we've been super impressed with the Bel Canto REF600M as well. They're a huge step up from the old REF500M in my opinion. We're currently driving them in one of our demo systems being fed by the Bel Canto DAC3.7. An excellent combination.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,468 posts
 
I have rocks in my head as my SS amp and server are always on. I also keep my air conditioning, heater, computer, night lights, and several other " dangerous" items on at all times. Good thing my neighbor is a fire fighter. 
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