georgehifi,
I stated the GaN technology will reduce dead-time and likely result in even better class D sound quality. I believe this could be a significant step forward even though I have yet to hear an amp using them. My main point being current good class D amps sound so great, why wait for perfection?
Class D amps utilizing current technology will not suddenly become worthless just because possibly even better class D amps are available. How low current amps would drop in value relative to new GaN amps is likely to be a function of the actual sound quality and price variances between them.
I do agree with you on the importance of the quality of the filters used in class D amps that removes the carrier switching frequency from the audio signal prior to amplification. I believe improvements in these filters probably has more potential to improve the quality of class D than raising the switching frequencies would have. I was going to edit in some comments into my last post about the filters but realized my omission a bit too late.
I don't perceive any sonic anomalies at all in any class D amp I own or have ever listened to. Perhaps I'm just lucky or maybe it's just that no sonic anomalies in the audible range exist.
I think not buying a current class D amp because the semiconductors are not yet perfected is akin to not buying a 427 Corvette in the 1960s because the fuel injection wasn't yet perfected. In either case, you're just denying yourself the enjoyment of the extremely good due to a lack of perfection.
But experiencing the enjoyment of good class D is currently more important to me. If I enjoy the sound of new class D amps utilizing GaN semiconductors or a higher switching frequencies more in the future, I'll probably buy a few if the price is reasonable. I'll offer my current class D amps to both my sons at good prices.
I'm also eager to see and hear Ralph's upcoming class D amp
Later,
Tim
I stated the GaN technology will reduce dead-time and likely result in even better class D sound quality. I believe this could be a significant step forward even though I have yet to hear an amp using them. My main point being current good class D amps sound so great, why wait for perfection?
Class D amps utilizing current technology will not suddenly become worthless just because possibly even better class D amps are available. How low current amps would drop in value relative to new GaN amps is likely to be a function of the actual sound quality and price variances between them.
I do agree with you on the importance of the quality of the filters used in class D amps that removes the carrier switching frequency from the audio signal prior to amplification. I believe improvements in these filters probably has more potential to improve the quality of class D than raising the switching frequencies would have. I was going to edit in some comments into my last post about the filters but realized my omission a bit too late.
I don't perceive any sonic anomalies at all in any class D amp I own or have ever listened to. Perhaps I'm just lucky or maybe it's just that no sonic anomalies in the audible range exist.
I think not buying a current class D amp because the semiconductors are not yet perfected is akin to not buying a 427 Corvette in the 1960s because the fuel injection wasn't yet perfected. In either case, you're just denying yourself the enjoyment of the extremely good due to a lack of perfection.
But experiencing the enjoyment of good class D is currently more important to me. If I enjoy the sound of new class D amps utilizing GaN semiconductors or a higher switching frequencies more in the future, I'll probably buy a few if the price is reasonable. I'll offer my current class D amps to both my sons at good prices.
I'm also eager to see and hear Ralph's upcoming class D amp
Later,
Tim