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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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,796 posts
 
Ah.

I thought we were talking about class D, not SETs. SETs FWIW don't (or shouldn't) get played much at full power; at normal listening levels the distortion can be near or at measurable.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 

John Atkinson got the following measurements for the Cary Audio SLI-100:

- 3.2 watts @ 1% distortion, into 8 ohms from the 8 ohm tap.

- 22 watts @ 3% distortion, same.

- 100 watts (Carys’ stated output for the amp) @ 10% distortion!

- 1.2 watts @ 1% distortion, into 4 ohms from the 8 ohm tap.

- Output impedance from the 8 ohm tap: 4.4 ohms @20Hz and 1kHz, 4.2 ohms @ 20kHz.

Retailing for $5995, that is very poor value. I would much rather own an Atma-Sphere S-30 or Music Reference RM-10 Mk.2.

fleschler
2,008 posts
 
This month's Stereophile has the Cary and the Cambridge integrated back to back reviewed.  The Cambridge received an outstanding Atkinson review and quite good listening review.  We know what the Cary received.
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mickeyb
573 posts
 
Who cares! I like class A and tubes. If class D can sound similar at a low price, low weight and save me money, I’d be a buyer. 
It will be the future. My kids will recycle my heavy old stuff to the scrap yard. 
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