2. amps-preamps
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Switch from AB to D

I have a Onkyo TX NR 3007 that eats up electricity because of 4 amps inside. I would like to switch to the Vidar class D from Schitt's. I really like what I've read about it and the reviews. I am handicapped and can't get out to listen to any class D units in my area so I'm going to depend on some people here give me a good idea where I'd be going from class A B to class D what's my sound. I will be using the Vidar with a Audio Experience Symphony preamp with three matching Telefunken tubes that have been in there since I bought it and it's serviced me well along with an Audio Experience Concerto Plus phono preamp. I have an older Soto Sapphire turntable with a clear audio virtuoso cartridge wooden body that has been rebuilt by the soundsmith what a great sound. Oh by the way I have an Oppo 103 Player for my digital along with PSB image five speakers which I got for a great deal of many years ago and they still sound good with my system.
So the bottom line here ladies and gentlemen what am I going to experience putting a Class D amp with a hundred watts per Channel in place of my Onkyo with 140 watts per Channel at class A B power?
Thank you much
Ron in Highland Michigan
vinylrecord61
vinylrecord61's avatar
vinylrecord61 OP
5 posts
 
I forgot to tell you I'm on a budget sorry about that guys and my Onkyo does not have pre out or main in. 
  There are many good suggestions you guys are give me to wake me up a little bit but I'd like to keep it around $750 if possible. I got spoiled for a while having a a tube integrated amp from Paul Grybeck for about 4 years +-, had to help a friend get some money for his mothers cancer treatment. So I did what needed to be done.
Thank you one and all
Ron
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

Sorry but Class D will never be ready for high quality audio.  Class A/B is already a compromise, hence its name.

The only way to top quality sound is pure Class A.  This of course does consume a lot of power that is considered by some to be unacceptable.  They must instead accept poorer quality sound.

My nearly 40 year old Krell References pull down nearly 2kW per side. Price of quality.  Why would you expect to get something for nothing?

tweak1
3,685 posts
 
I am a long time class D owner. Several W4S, Emerald Physics, PS Audio GCC 250 (bought new some 15-20 years old) and still using it in my video system); of late, I tried the PS Audio M700s which are pretty darned good (recently saw a pair for ~ $1900), but replaced them with EVS 1200 (~$2500), it is exceptional but sadly is no longer being made. It is based on the IceEdge 1200 AS modules, but highly tweaked. PS Audio recently introduced M1200s with tube buffer, which should be excellent, especially for the $5999 MSRP.

oH wait, yesterday I saw an ad from a guy in CA selling his Audio Alchemy DPA-1 AND DDP-1 AND PS 5 for $1595. I had all 3 and they are great value. See Absolute Sound March 2017 for a great review. You could buy them then sell the DDP-1 (DAC/Pre) and PS -5 (outboard power supply). There are people looking for just the power supply, likely get $600 for it alone, though the combo sounds much beefier


hth
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I don't thin it's class D but something like this for 875 if you're looking for a 2 channel amp. 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa13ha-amplifier-template-2-solid-state

You might scan the listings here there are a few that would meet your price. 
bluorion
485 posts
 
I just recently traded in a high quality class D amp and went back to a class A/B integrated and there is a difference in sound. I enjoyed the class D but the A/B sounds more musical to me. Even my husband, who is not an audiophile, believes the A/B is better after listening. His first words (without any prompting from me) was this is 'more natural' than the other system. Let us know what you decide on---good luck!
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