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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
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I have a Class D integrated amp. I compared it to a $10k pre and power amp combo. Power amp is class AB. I also owned this combo. My lowly class D integrated, at one-third the price, humbled that $10k plus amplification. No, I'm not saying I have the best in class D, and no, I'm not saying there isn't better $10k combinations of which I compared. I'm just saying I have proof positive that a modestly priced Class D amp can compete with more expensive class A/AB amplification.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

Analogy with DAC and vinyl?

Sony launched the CDP-101 in October 1982.  Look where we are today with modern DACs--very much improved.

When was the first commercially available D amp introduced?  Over the same span of years, we can expect similar progress.

At the same time, just as there are today many vinyl enthusiasts, so then, at that date in the future, there will be many Class A enthusiasts, with companies catering to them.

sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
I’ll stick with class AB thanks very much. Square waves don’t belong anywhere in HiFi IMHO. 
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