Switch from AB to D
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? |
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 |
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. |
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! |
I recently acquired some Bel Canto REF500M class D amps and have been very happy with them, upgraded from Rotel A/B amps operating as monoblocks. I was comfortable trying class D amps in my system due to my experience as a bass musician. I use a tube preamp and class D power amp with my bass, and I feel the sound is natural and powerful. I find that the Bel Canto's revealed a new level of detail in my stereo setup without sounding fatiguing at all (listening to a mix of vinyl on a Rega table and FLAC files on a Cambridge streamer). |
