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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
erik_squires
16,172 posts
 
I'm happy for manufacturers to be pushing the envelope.  That's great.
All I'm saying is that the idea that the next great thing is just around the corner and it's the end of all audio is a little over hyped.

There's always a next-great thing. In the case of fast transistors, cool. Show me an audible benefit that everyone can hear before I get that hyped up about it.

Best,
E
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
There’s always a next-great thing. In the case of fast transistors, cool. Show me an audible benefit that everyone can hear before I get that hyped up about it.

It’s what the present Class-D "cons" are all about, listen to a SE-R1.

I’d lay money on it, that you’ll put one of the first with your hand up for one when it suits your pocket.
And your old one with the lower switching frequency, will become unsellable junk save for use as a bass amp.

Cheers George
ricevs
1,543 posts
 

George,

Show me where it is stated that the Merrill uses higher than 500K for its switching frequency. In fact, Merrill stated (on this site) that higher frequencies for switching were harder to do. I hope Mr. Merrill steps in here and clears this up. What he seems to claim is that the zero dead time using GaNs plus his zero feedback circuit are what makes the great sound.

Nuprime is using 700K in their latest amps and they are said to be making some very nice sounds.....also has 1meg input impedance and very trick power supplies with discrete front end.  Their amps are using Mosfets on the output.

The new IceEdge modules have "dead time compensation".....maybe that is why they sound so good.

erik_squires
16,172 posts
 
And your old one with the lower switching frequency, will become unsellable junk save for use as a bass amp.

Don't need to sell what I'm happy listening to George.

Best,
E



guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Yep George, 'tis all one dark ominous conspiracy at the expense of brave audiophiles worldwide... There are rumors of a mysterious kabala of notorious class D mongers to undermine the Faith of righteous audiophrenes. Could even be the "deep HiFi State at its most nepherious purposes"... 'Best continue to read 'em safe reviews and specs instead of  getting out of the house and exposing your ears to the spiritual corruption of unsafe audiophilic experiences *Grins!*


Saluti, G.


G.

 

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