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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
11,954 posts
 
@fsonicsmith
If you get a chance, look into the Tour Divide Race, from Banff to Antelope Wells.
@vt4c
+1
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mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Kosst,
My last post wasn't directed at you, but more of a dismissal of class D as being worthless. Not in so many words by some, but I think one can read between the lines.

Looking back on what I said about 10% distortion isn't quite accurate, but some of these tube amps show just a handful of watts being useful up to about 1% distortion and this distortion rises quite rapidly as output goes up. With 10% being a approx. figure getting near these amps rated output. I don't know how you feel, but to me 1% or higher at a handful of watts output doesn't translate into very good performance, at least as far as I'm concerned....
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