Class D is just Dandy!

Can’t really argue with that. :) The separates craze creates it’s own list of extra problems to solve.

At the same time, I really really like selecting my own parts. I find it a real difficult thing to want to give control to some one else as to what makes my system.

If I could, a two box system with a 5 channel amp and HT processor would have been here long ago. :)

Best,

E

This part was eye opening. 

S&V: Generally speaking, what are the key benefits of Class D versus the traditional Class AB and Class A designs that have long been favored by audiophiles?
BP: Efficiency and therefore the ability to construct amps that are powerful for their size. Only that. Modern Class D amps, in particular mine—ahem—sound good not because they’re Class D, but in spite of it. I can’t repeat that often enough. Left to its own devices, a switching power stage tries to do just about anything except amplify audio. You choose Class D to save energy but it’s all elbow grease after that. People don’t realize how much more challenging Class D is compared to Class AB. It’s truly an order of magnitude.
Read more at https://www.soundandvision.com/content/bruno-putzeys-head-class-d#S70SckY6kyOPIC2d.99

@erik_squires 

However as with all transistors, there is a lag between the command to switch and the actual full switch. This is call the dead time. This has been reduced over the years with faster transistors and also limited with feedback. But it is fast. Hence the apparent speed of Class D also.

Sorry, could you be mistaking "switching time" with "dead time?" 

Dead time is the consequence of switching time - i.e. time from the garage door switch is pressed (switch) to time you can actually move out of the garage - takes a while for the door to open.  

@lalitk   
"Class D tends to be fast, unless slowed intentionally or with a tube"  - Are you referring to mating Class D with a tube preamp/Linestage?

You can use a Tube stage to slow down the signal or other circuit designs in solid stage to do that as well. 

In reference to above comment, the end user should be able to reduce "Coherency Distortion" issues with a tube pre as pointed out in your Synergy 2 paragraph, right?

Coherency is very tough and you don't hear it until you hear something coherent. So the short answer is - it is really difficult to get it exact.