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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
cheenyportabello
2 posts
 
I have an NAD C 268 class D amplifier, NO PREAMP, and mac mini DAC using 3.5 mm line out and the sound is MAGICAL and I've heard just about everything.  I think the main is reason is that there is no preamp, but for whatever reason, the sound is just incredible. 
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colin44ct357's avatar
colin44ct357
122 posts
 
One point to consider with most digital is when they fail many are not repairable.They can dump a load of current and burn your speakers depending on the protection circuitry.
Any professional repair center can keep your old systems running for life.
Retro rule in my opinion, going back to the nad 3020.That ones tone is mind blowing. Haven't found a digital which can compete.Most digital are to clean for my ear.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Haven’t found a digital which can compete.Most digital are to clean for my ear.
Sterile with no decaying harmonic structure, creating too much dead time, are the words I believe you should be using.

Cheers George
tweak1
3,677 posts
 
^Yes, George. and that was th case with all previous class Ds that I owned, but, the Audio alchemy is different. I can hear the resonance and warmth of same inside acoustic guitars, coronets...

FYI: as much as I hated to, I sold my Hattor XLR, but the Audio Alchemy DAC/Pre is damned nice and pairs perfectly with my AA stereo amp
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