2. amps-preamps
  3. 156346-1453

Discussion of Class D Amps Application & Experiences

With all the time off that our current situation has allowed recently, I became intrigued by the idea of class D amplification. I have always been against this type of amplifier but the more I have read the more I have also learned. There are lots of threads here on this subject many of which result in arguments about which amplifier class is better. I do not want to do that here. As I consider a class D amp I need to let you know that I currently use a fairly powerful class A/B SS amp and pre-amp into an efficient pair of speakers rated at 4 ohms. My choice of equipment has always been focused on musicality over absolute detail. I want the music to sound natural and not sterile. I seem to have achieved that sound. If I switched to class D amplification that would also be my intended goal although a bit more refined detail would be fine. I have considered pairing the amp with a tube pre to help achieve my desired sound. So why would I change? My goal would be to save money over my current gear while maintaining my desired sound.

I have researched brands such as Nord, Primare, AGD & Nuprime. I have also looked at brands such as Jeff Rowland & Merrill but those are way out of my price range. My target would be $6000 - $7000 or less. I'm about performance not price. So given that background information I would like to hear from those who have made the leap, what your experience has been (likes and dislikes), what amp did you replace and any comments about one brand over the other. Your experience with demos etc. Do you use a tube or SS line stage?
Thanks
falconquest
bryhifi's avatar
bryhifi
375 posts
 
For thirty plus years I have been a class A or A/B user.  Have used tubes and SS in various system iterations along the way.  I was curious about class D amps and wanted to reduce the extreme space heater for summer listening so after my normal research decided on a Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 integrated to see what it could do.  After letting it run for two weeks 24/7 in my office I brought it to the living room system.  Pleasantly surprised by what I was hearing.  EJ has done a great job with his execution and design. I heard zero nasties that people claim about D amp sound.  With several different speakers here that range from benign loads to difficult loads the STI-500 did exceedingly well with all of them.  W4S has the grip of some older class A amps I’ve used, clarity and spaciousness was upper class, upper register was surprisingly smooth with excellent detail.  Can honestly say that I had no intention of loving this W4S but in fact I do love it’s performance as well as the lower monthly electricity consumption.  

I would suggest researching W4S STI-1000 as an alternate option.  It is essentially his STP pre and ST-1000 in one box.  Well done and well reviewed, less real estate and one less interconnection.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,055 posts
 
I would not switch just to switch unless there is something specific about Class D that appeals to you?

I’ve been running Bel Canto ref1000m Class D amps now for a number of years and still could not be happier. I did this because I wanted to throw the kitchen sink in terms of drive ability at my speakers which are known to benefit from that. I wanted something capable and good sounding that was also not too big, heavy and hard to deal with. Budget was limited but these fall into your price category at least the original retail price, though I acquired used for a discount in order to give it a try.

Still couldn’t be happier. If Class D did not work out I probably would have investigated building a smaller system around tubes but feel no need to explore those waters since. I’ve added other lesser Class D amps in other systems since. It’s the only way I go now. I do use a Audio Research sp16 tube pre-amp with my ref1000m Class D amps and think that is a very good way to go if one does not mind having to deal with maintaining a handful of tubes from time to time and the specific amp used has higher input impedance 60Kohm or higher for use with a tube pre-amp. No tubes in my 3 other setups built around Class D and those are all similarly good as well within their significantly lower drive limits (and cost).



islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I use Class D Audio CDA 254 amps in my HT side of things. With a nice tube line stage (Modwright SWL 9.0 Line Stage), with excellent results. They were kits, and the amp for my main channels has an upgraded power supply with two modules bridged to mono, @ 500 Wpc into 8 ohms.


My other two amps are SET 300B and SET 845. For very little money, you can have Class D to try out. Truth is, they sound great, even though they are relatively inexpensive.

Have fun with it. Easy to build, or you can buy fully assembled. Surprising how good they sound but, like most things in audio, you can pay a whole lot more, and get a little bit more.

Regards,
Dan 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,331 posts
 

I think Bel Canto is the place to look--great products in your price range.

There will be a bunch of other boutique manufacturers recommended, but BC for the long haul...

More to discover