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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
I'm in rapture listening to the glorious distortions of my Class D amps as I write.  
erik_squires
16,138 posts
 
 

Go to Stereophile and look at the last 5 or 6 class D amps they’ve measured. Unless JA applies a low pass filter on the AP the output signals look horrendous. Even with the low pass filter, they all have ringing. I was just looking at the Below Canto Black and that thing isn’t horrible, but .05% of garbage distortion at 200mW!?!?!? That’s ridiculous.

- Kosst


The problem is you are "looking" and not listening.

We apply the low pass because the distortion analyzer’s numbers would pick out signals no human could hear, not to mention those signals could not make it past the speaker drivers. Without those low pass filters, the distortion numbers loose all meaning for our use.

It’s not just enough to have a measurement, but you have to know how to apply it correctly to an application. Blindly accepting a number as true or useful is the root of all evil.

I compared Parasound A23 class A/B amps to my Class D. Could not tell the difference even knowing which was which. Tell me please how much of that ultrasonic ringing I should care about.

Best,

E
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
The evidence of my ears are telling me Class D must do distortion right. Go figure!

Dead quiet. 
Very dynamic and nuance/detailed yet smooth and lush. 
Soundstage and imaging to kill for. 
A touch warm even.  

Where is the distortion?   Must be there somewhere....
erik_squires
16,138 posts
 
The evidence of my ears are telling me Class D must do distortion right. Go figure!

Exactly.

I’ve also heard megabuck class-A amplifiers around the time I got my Class D.

Honestly preferred the Class D.

I’ve had several audiophiles in my home and no one has ever said "Oh, wow, that hypersonic distortion is killing me, this is class D".

In fact usually what happens is when they are getting ready to leave they ask "Oh, by the way, where are your amplifiers??" because they are so small and easy to miss.


I’m not asking you to love my amps, but the idea that Class D are not competitive with the best Class A is nonsense.


mapman's avatar
mapman
22,308 posts
 
I am as big a fan of metrics as the next guy but fact is they never tell the whole story.

So glad I do not let naysayers detract me from trying well documented real and factual new technology innovations. I have yet to regret it. I’d still be living within the outdated constraints of the 20th century if I did.
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