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
128x128falconquest
Also Elac has some low profile Class D amps out there these days.
Anyone heard and able to comment?
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!!
" That’s why it’s best to not generalize. No two amps of any particular type are created equal. They all run the gamut."
As above, but it should be " No two  S Y S T E M S  of any particular type are created equal."

What many Class-D haters fail to realize is that they all have an LP output filter. Any filter in series with another filter, read cables & loudspeaker, has a different response than with another, read cables & loudspeaker.

I have a NuPrime ST-10 which has strengths and and weakness that vary with the LS & cables used, just like every other amplifier.

It's currently on woofer duty in a tri-amped system and it's bloody brilliant!

How it might fair driving some Himalayan impedance nightmare is unknown.
Because of their high frq noise, Class D amps can be a problem for tweeters with wide band frequency response and high frequency break up. Excess energy (not music related) can cause the breakup to induce distortion.