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Class D is just Dandy!

I thought it was time we had a pro- Class D thread. There's plenty of threads about comparisons, or detractors of Class D.

That's fine, you don't have to like Class D amps, and if you don't please go participate on one of those threads.

For those of us who are very happy and excited about having musical, capable amps that we can afford to keep on 24/7 and don't require large spaces to put them in, this thread is for you.

Please share your experiences with class D amps!
erik_squires
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cleeds
5,986 posts
 
noble100
'A type of prejudice not born in evidence' is a very accurate and succinct way of describing how some class D detractors have a knee-jerk response ... there seems to be a small group of class D detractors .. there are so many class D amp listeners and owners ...  class D detractors and naysayers are best not considered as a single group but as a collection of smaller groups ... their comments being more biased  ... group#3 is definitely the most frustrating since they offer no scientific evidence ... I'm not aware of a single experienced class D user/owner, including myself, who has ever heard any sonic anomalies that they claim exist. I think it's safe to state that any logical person would consider their theory as being thoroughly and completely debunked ... Just the fact that the majority of humans are incapable of perceiving these sonic anomalies but a small minority of the population can indicates an allergic reaction to class D by this minority ... individuals in group#3 can be extremely frustrating and annoying. But perhaps we should be more sympathetic to these poor afflicted souls.
It's interesting how some defenders of Class D amps go to such lengths to classify the critics of these amplifiers as a minority, yet then go on to claim that the critics are prejudiced. Hmmm ... 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
Different strokes for different folks, as is always the case. I owned many amps over the years and my newest Class D amps are the best. Saved me from going the tube amp route. Benefits are greatest for those that favor smaller speakers with extended bass, or similar power and current hungry speakers which is the norm today for most affordable high quality speakers. If you run a tube amp with the right speakers to match and are happy probably no need to consider Class D. Otherwise you may be missing out big time! Beside the top top notch performance and sound you save space with both amps and speakers and your power bill and overall TCO is minimized.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
" IMHO I find class D amps to be less musical then Class A amps. I tried several class D amps and to my ears they lack the midrange, rhythmic
space, texture, air and less involving compared to good Class A amps.Something just seems to be missing musically to my ears. But to each his own. I'm not a audiophile snob I just know what makes my finger snap, head nod and foot tap."

Hi bluesy1,
     I understand.  I think it's a good and healthy thing that there's such a wide variety of amps currently available that individuals can tailor their system sound by choosing an amp that matches their sound preference.  
    Sound preferences are as unique like fingerprints and snowflakes.
    Your snowflake, bluesy1, seems to fall into group#3 from my last post.
     I'm glad you found a system sound you prefer with your class A amp.
Enjoy,
  Tim

sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
I have had Class D amps from Classe (Sigma 2200i), Auralic (Merak Mono Blocks), PS Audio (HCA-2) and currently use a Lyngdorf TDAI-2170.  The Lyngdorf and Classe amplifiers were designed in-house and didn't use off the shelf modules.  Don't know if that is good or bad.

I don't know why people have to defend or overly praise Class D compared to other amplifier topologies when the end result is if you like it then keep listening.

If you like Class D, great, but perhaps some of you fanboys can tone it down.  Many of us are tired of hearing your opinions, and it is pretty obvious you are biased so your opinion doesn't mean a lot to the community at large.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
It is the notion that Class D switching speeds are the cause, and that someday they’ll be fixed that irritates me.

If you guys are going to point a finger, get the whole story right.
It’s not the switching speed per se, but the output filter that has to try to get rid of it without any detrimental effects down into the audio band that’s the problem.
  
That’s why Technics with their $20k SE-R1 class-d has striven for double the switching speed, so then that output filter can do it’s job properly without much detrimental effect down into the audio band.

Cheers George
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