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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
aolmrd1241
1,029 posts
 
emcdade said..."Then we auditioned it in the dealer room next to all the Class AB amps and it just fell on its face. Dry, sterile, and uninvolving when you really go head to head with Class AB."


Being a realist... your description of the class d amp above can also be said of many class AB designs also... Amp design implementation is just as important as anything else...all things being equal. 

lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
335 posts
 
This discussion regarding class D amps reminds me of all the people over the kast 30 years telling me that soccer was going to be the next big thing.

In my mind, serious SS amps as well as tube power will always have a major role in audiophile choices.

Class D will also have a pkace in the audio world, but I doubt in the front rank of desirable amps among the serious audiophiles.

For myself, tube pre amp and strong SS amp is the sweet spot.
bjesien
1,274 posts
 
I've tried two digital amps in my system over the past 6 months and didn't end up keeping either of them.  One was a SPEC from Japan and the other was the 2170.  I tried them both with Devore Nines and just wanted to love them.  I wanted the simplicity, the ease, the low heat and high power.  I just found them to lack synergy and fail to energize the speakers the way I like.  I've owned many other speakers in the past that didn't always sound different with a change of amps, or a shift from SS to tubes.  I find these speakers to be very revealing and honest to what you put in front of them.    
2channel8
756 posts
 
If one spends obscene amounts of money on a class A amp his or her ability to hear virtue in a class D, I think, is somewhat compromised. The OP said he hears something wonderful. I see no reason to rain on his or her parade. Enjoy the hell out of it, @distortions!
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ddeacon
5 posts
 
I build and sell class D amplifiers so I admit to being biased.

The transparency combined with the dynamic reserves and bass grip are gaining many converts in the audio world. I have customers selling mega-buck mega-amps to switch over.

The two best class D technologies available today require a custom designed input circuit. If you get this right, you rock.

Dennis
www.d-sonic.com
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