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The Future of Audio Amplification

I have recently paired an Audio Research DS225 Class D amplifier with an Audio Research tube preamplifier (SP8 mkii). I cannot believe how wonderful and lifelike my music sounds. The DS225 replaced an Audio Research SD135 Class AB amplifier. Perhaps the SD135 is just not as good as some of the better quality amps that are out there, but it got me thinking that amazingly wonderful sonance can be achieved with a tubed pre and Class D amp. I have a hunch that as more people experience this combination, it will likely catch on and become the future path of many, if not most audiophile systems. It is interesting that Audio Research has been at the forefront of this development.
distortions
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ebm
9,311 posts
 
Jump on class d i will stick with A/AB as it sounds much better in my high resolution system.Enjoy though!!
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Question from an ignorant person on the engineering side of things.

Are there improvements till be made with Class A (or class a/b) amps to get them closer to the appealing aspects of Class D while retaining the Class A characteristics that make them special?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,115 posts
 
People dissing Class D should really mention what Class D amps they have heard in what kind of setup and what they are comparing to. Blanket statements have no value.

BTW each of my Class D amps ($75, $2000, $6000 retail) sound very different much like one might find with 3 different amps of any type especially in diverse price categories so beware making blanket statements based on limited exposure and personal biases even perhaps.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Class D is definitely the future of audio. And they will only get better. Heat reeks havoc with amp internals. Class A is not immune to this not to mention draws large amounts of current even at idle.
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