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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
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
Efficient speakers with small single ended tube amps don't require much juice, and for my money sound more like music. Many with all SS gear leave it on all the time thus actually wasting juice, and I assume most tubers don't, unless by accident like when they pass out or die. I mentioned I have a Class D 350 watt Ampeg bass amp (of the Porta Flex amps, this is the smallest) screwed onto the top of a "Porta Flex" bass cab, and it's very cute...sounds fine, which leads me to suggest counting the tube amps available in any high end audio store, and then walk into a guitar store...notice anything? Dozens of tube amps from tiny to gigantic. Modeling amps, small SS practice amps...none sound like a classic tube guitar amp, and it's likely they never will. Why is that?
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
339 posts
 
2Channel8,

There is a difference between liking a particular combination and believing it is the future for over half the community.

And where does obscene money begin?  I understand the price point of D class amplifiers.  Money is relative IMHO, I tend to think of my system in terms of percent of my vehicle cost.
jhills
615 posts
 
There isn't anything bad about class D that $20K worth of cables and a $10K power cable couldn't fix...Just sayn...Jim
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donjr
1,335 posts
 
I've never listened to a class D amp but I own a class A amp that I love so there's no reason for me to. I'm good for many years and with all of you buying them, I'm sure they'll be amazing when I'm ready.

How many people have had a good run of class D amps and switched back to A/AB? That's what I'm interested in. They say over 90% of Toyota Prius owners only ever own one Prius, meaning they go back to a full time gasser. This morning on the morning show they said electric cars are not going to take off for another 15 years. Where are we at with class D right now? Everyone keeps saying that the future is class D but where is that in the future?

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