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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
seanheis1
630 posts
 
Class D amps sound cold and analytical to me. Maybe its all the feedback or the output filter. Meat is ultimately taken off the bones somehow.

Having said that, Class D is the future for better or worse. There is quite a bit of cost savings involved for amp makers. They can be pretty good with a tube pre amp as a bandaid.

I still have never seen a LED TV that can come close to my plasma. Plenty of people will say that LED has gotten better and surpassed plasma.

I guess it comes down to what we value and what properties are important to us. Class D and LED both win in efficiency and that is extended to form factor.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
So 0.02% distortion is an "ungodly" amount huh?

Talk about dumpster fires...
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Nelson Pass once said

"The first watt is the most important watt"


Cheers George
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
Not at any rock concert I ever attended...8)
mdeblanc's avatar
mdeblanc
62 posts
 
Class D manufacturers, big and boutique, have years of experience / dollars tied-up in this technology. They are 'here' to make money. They won't chase a doomed topology this deep into the proverbial rabbit-hole. For now Class D makes dollars and cents, until something else comes along. And when it does, I'll be checking it out too.
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