Class D is just Dandy!

I meant...a Rotel 158x amp

I have some Aerial Acoustics 7B and CC3b speakers that are notorious for being hard to drive and loving very large amounts of power.  Has anyone used any Class D amplification on these?  If so, how was the synergy and sound compared to a more common class A/B amp?  I am looking to find out what would be the best solution for these.  They already sound great and image very well, but I want to take it up a large notch and power them adequately so I can get the most out of them.  Anyone have any suggestions?  Comments on possible class D amplification for them?  Advice? 

@jrunr, I don’t have any direct experience with 7B’s but I was in similar situation as you. I own a pair of B&W 800’s and they are quite power hungry. After sticking with Class A/B amps for couple of years I begin experimenting with Class D amps.

If you’re looking for multi-channel amp, I would give it a serious consideration to ATI 500NC series amps. I have been listening to 544NC amp for a week now and couldn’t be any happier. While amp is still settling, the amp got gobs of power and finesse to drive my 800’s with ease. Most dealers have 30 days return policy minus the shipping so you can audition this amazing and fairly inexpensive amp risk free.

I’ll probably order their 543NC - 3 channel amp soon to complete my 7.1 HT setup.

http://ati-amp.com/AT52XNC.php

PS: I have also heard high praises for Bel Canto REF600M’s.

Do you know if there is a difference between the 543NC and the 523NC?  I know there is more wattage, but does that equate to better sound for difficult speakers?

@jrunr

No, not necessarily. :)

Usually you can tell by how low a speaker impedance it is rated for (8 --> 4 --> 2 --> 1 Ohm) and how well the power doubles each step down in impedance. So for a 50 watt amp the best should put out 400 Watts at 1 Ohm. :) :

50--> 100 --> 200 --> 400

This is how Krell go their fame, with a 50 Watt class A amplifier that output 400 Watts into 1 Ohm.

Of course, these amps are beefy, but also usually ridiculous. :)

It's also important to understand exactly where your speaker is hard to drive. Digital amps tend to do better in the bass than the treble, which is good because most conventional speakers are hard to drive in the bass. nCore modules are famous for being less sensitive to where your speaker is hard to drive.

Best,

E