2. amps-preamps
  3. 129071-76532

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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Thank you Al, Rowland M102 is the most entry level class D amp that Rowland ever created. The model is almost 10 years old, and is today hardly representative of what can be done with class D and with SMPS. M102 has been discontinued a couple of years ago, and has been replaced by the M125, which sports a much newer ICEpower module, supports bridged mode operations via a toggle switch in the back of the chassis thus delivering 500W per chassis, and contains several other technical updates. According to all 3rd party reports I heard, M125 is an exceptional little amp... Far superior to the original M102.

G.

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Jeff Rowland 102s power amp only version

Rowland:
"Model 102 stereo amplifier employ the ICEpower 200 AS power conversion module" 


Cheers George.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Continuum S2 it’s not a B&O Ice Power Class-D module but this.

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/123187-high-end-integrated-amps/?do=findComment&comment=1847641

Cheers George


kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Hello all,

I have over 500 hrs on my S-500 and thought I might comment a little about it.I think it's a step up in Sound vs nc400 and ref600m,these are the 3 class d amps that I own and I have access to more through a local audio club where we lend and or borrow equipment or occasionally listen to each other's systems.

I have been using a bel canto pre3 with all the diff. amps just to make a even playing field,the pre 3 is a pure water no coloration preamp.

The S-500 is the best class d amp I have had in my system and it has the warmest most engaging midrange with very sweet nicely extended top end that has more air and separation with the individual instruments making the entire frequency range very coherent.The bass is equally as good maybe better than my other class d amps listed.

I borrowed a Nuprime st10 to try out and found it too be a very close match to the S-500,with the nod to the S-500 for the best overall sound especially the midrange.

Offcourse this is in my system with my ears and judging the musical presentation that I prefer.

The next test will be comparison with a modwright kwa100se that I have owned for a few years but I haven't used it in about 3 years,I have loaned it out to club members though.I know it's a very good amp but can it equal or beat the S-500,only time will tell.

So many very good choices out there nowadays,


Kenny.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
kdude66
This S-500 Kenny your talking about, is this the Red Dragon?

https://www.reddragonaudio.com/products/s500?variant=969867425

Cheers George
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