The Truth about Modern Class D

Watch out George, I stated I don't think Class D is ready for primetime and was jumped on.  Watch out, the Class D police are out there, lol.

@stereo5 -

I’d suggest you make your specifics known. What Class D and what are you comparing it to?

Because the ICEpower I’m listening to sound nothing but warm. The NAD D 3020 sound a touch brighter, but not unpleasantly so.

There’s nothing in your original statement specific enough for me to believe you are being sincere. If you are, state your experience.

I could say the same about tubes. "Tubes are not high end, but maybe someday..." 

@erik Squires...……………………………...

A good friend has the Merril Audio Class D monoblocks. Do not know model number, but they were painted very red. I find them dry and tipped up on top. I tried the Wyred4Sound Class D stereo amp in both of my home systems. I had it in my systems for 2 weeks. I left it on 24/7 and played the Isotek burn in cd for 10 days straight, 24 hours a day. I didn’t like the presentation one bit. Actually, it sounded better before all the break in, but not better in a way I would have kept it. Back it went.

I heard a Devalient, and kept asking myself what all the fuss was about. I heard the MBL integrated (the one Stereophile loves) at the RMAF, hated it. My wife said it sounded shrill. My son has a NAD 3020 integrated Class D amp (the first one) . The rest of his equipment I gave him, a pair of Kef LS50 speakers, Audioquest cables and speaker wire, my old Sony SCD777es SACD player and a Magnum Dynalab FT11 tuner.. I can’t stand listening to his system, way too bright for these old ears. My son thinks it sounds clear, it just gives me a big headache.

I have heard a couple more class D amps in stores but not for long listening sessions. Sorry, I just do not care for it. Does that make me a horrible person because I don’t like them? I enjoy the lush romantic sound I get from Mac and since I am spending my money on it, what I like counts (to me).

Does that make me a horrible person because I don’t like them? I enjoy the lush romantic sound I get from Mac and since I am spending my money on it, what I like counts (to me).

Absolutely not. But the specifics help everyone understand where you are coming from and what you are comparing to, and give a lot more insight to your story.

My NAD D 3020 is hooked up to a pair of Monitor Audio, which are much more laid back, which may explain the difference in appreciation for it. :)

As I myself have noted, if I had all the $$$ and space I’d buy some CJ which are going to be even more euphonic than your Macs. I still like my ICEpower monoblocks though. I certainly could not point to them and say "look, Class D sound!" 

Thanks for sharing,


Erik

@erik_squires...……………….

Thank you.