About this time last year, I purchased a Digital Amplifier Company class D amp. It was used, about ten years old and the most expensive amp I have ever purchased. I have many different class A/Bs from a multitude of US manufacture's and a couple of Japanese built, all at 200 wpc or greater. The DAC 4800a was the first amp to let my speakers sound their best. I use Magnepans and Martin Logan's. From first listen, it was the absolute quietest amp ever. Put a disc on walk away-and suddenly sound just erupted from my speakers, whether Greig or Steely Dan, it was incredible. The sound from deepest notes to highest were clear, single notes lost in the A/B fog now had their own voice. Soundstage and depth was wide and deep. In January of this year I purchased 2 DAC Maraschinos, one used and one from DAC direct. I could not be happier, the build quality is old school USA. The amps do not use modules from other companies, instead they build it from their own design. Most of the A/B amps were made at ATI. Give the Digital Amplifier Co. web site a look see. Just another opinion.
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
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
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- 94 posts total
- 94 posts total