Class D is just Dandy!

Interesting read on two expensive high end mono-blocks from Mark Levinson.

The $50K  No.53 Class-D mono-blocks where they spent considerable time and effort to address and rid the problems of class-D, but never got the great review (listening or measurement) they hoped for.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mark-levinson-no53-reference-monoblock-power-amplifier

Then back to their linear $30K  No.536 mono-blocks Class A/B, which by comparison got a great review (listening and measurements).
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mark-levinson-no536-monoblock-power-amplifier

Goes to show, even a pedigree company, with credentials up the wazoo, can't get Class-D to better their own cheaper linear amps.

Cheers George          

Don't class D amps built to play only digital inputs (one conversion) and not analogue inputs?

Chrisr,

What are you asking?

Hi @chrisr

Class D is not Digital, but for the next type in sequence, after A, B, C.

They are switching amps, but everything is controlled in the analog domain. Designers like Bruno Putzeys bristle at the term "digital" amplifiers.

There is no A/D or D/A process. At least, not how DAC's think of them.

Some class D are also digital, but rather rare. I'm thinking of the latest Technics amps.

So, no, most Class D amps take in analog signals only.

Best,

E

@kuribo

Hey there!

I'm thinking of spending for a pair of Hypex monoblocks soon. Could you please tell me your thoughts on the sound, and especially if you have compared them to ICEPower?

Thank you,

E