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
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The best at giving great detail without fatigue I have heard are amps with Purifi 


Sorry maybe you missed that in my post I get carried away sometimes. I think these Class D amps are very good but I went back to Class AB. I liked the amps I heard with Purifi and Hypex but from just my subjective opinion I like the sound of AB. I've had McIntosh, B&K old ones, Micromega, Anthem. I'm  not getting into an OP Amp discussion,  I've heard different ones I couldn't tell the difference the measurements are within 1% of each other on the ones mentioned here. Maybe my ears aren't good enough.  Nords are good but I would advise if you get one to try, take the cover off and make sure they didn't wire the speakers wrong, yes I've seen that. March Purifi is good VTV is another I would look inside the XLR might have pin 1 wired wrong and no ground on the mains. NAD doesn't sound bad good detail  and soundstage they're coming out with a new Purifi the M33? Need to watch their build quality as well. 
markmuse
290 posts
 
I Know you said the Rowlands are out of your price range, but I would like to recommend the 535. One of them new is in your price range. I have a pair as mono's (they are designed to be used that way if you choose). I had a Rowland Model 2 (A/B) for 25 years, and replaced it with a pair of 535's. Voicing is virtually identical but the 535's have audibly less noise, more dynamics (there is a considerable power difference), and a positively huge sound stage. Using a hybrid line stage - PS Audio BHK. Driving Totem Forest Signatures. I am quite happy with them.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,109 posts
 
Speaking of PS Audio, anyone have any comments on the M700's?
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,053 posts
 
Also Elac has some low profile Class D amps out there these days.
Anyone heard and able to comment?
ncdogdoc
33 posts
 
I picked up a pair of Nuprime 9 running bridged into electrostatics to replace a ML 336 that died. Maybe not as sweet, but overall I do not feel like I am missing that much. I have since played with a VAC Avatar and Marsh A400s and feel that I am still getting more from the class A front/class D output of the Nuprime. Do I want more-of course, that is why I rummage these forums and wait impatiently for the LSA and Atmasphere GaNFET designs.
The Nuprime do seem to respond to clean AC and I have tried direct from PS Audio outlet, APC and Shunyata filters. The old APC seems to be the best so far. I have not tried anything from this century yet!!
More to discover