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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I repeat,  Blind Freddy can see that.
tarheelneil
35 posts
 
Stevecham, and yet Paul McGowan of PS Audio maintains that the Stellar is no match for the BHK, or Class A and AB in general.  He produces them mostly because of customer demand.  
ricevs
1,543 posts
 

PS Audio is using older IcePower technology modules (completely stock).....not the latest IceEdge.  Because of this they have to add a buffer to color the sound to make it more acceptable.  The output wires run to binding posts that are two inches long and have push on connectors on them......very not tweak. The IceEdge modules are far better sounding and with tweaks they sound amazing.   Yes, PS Audio is behind on this one.  I will be A/Bing my super tweaked dual mono IceEdge based amps with the BHK.  We shall see what we get.  

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I will be A/Bing my super tweaked dual mono IceEdge based amps with the BHK.  We shall see what we get.
You and Ralph both, then we can have a clam bake. And you two can have it out.
tweak1
3,679 posts
 
ricevs43 you said "George thinks he knows what is wrong with class D and he lets us know constantly" That does not mean he isn't a fan (if it's the same George) .

He reviewed a Nord class D with a Hattor passive pre, which I had just purchased to go with my then Emerald Physics 100.2SE monos (prior to that I had 2 generations of W4S amps). He pointed out these were an impedance mismatch. He suggested the Nord as they matched, but Im in USA and they come from EU and required 2-3 weeks build time, then ship. I sold the EPs and got a Audio Alchemy DPA -1 (class D hybrid), apparently also a impedance mismatch, about that time I came across a deal for a Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (DAC/Pre) and am EXTREMELY happy.

After the purchase I found a March of 2016 TAS review of the pair, comparing them to the uber expensive Soulution amp/pre (both of same designer; Peter Madnick. These beauties MSRP @  $1995 I am told recently, that Peter sold to Elac who will be redesigning to a bigger chassis
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