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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
markmuse
290 posts
 
@falconquest I apologize, just saw your question to me.
The M700's just didn't come alive for me. It has been more than a year, so I'm afraid I can't be as specific as I would like to be. And I readily admit that my expectations were low, so I'm sure my perception was colored by that. However the Rowlands are so spectacular that there is no question in my mind that I made the right choice. I'm trying different tubes in my PS Audio BHK line stage and discovering how much different tubes influence the sound. 
tweak1
3,721 posts
 
Underwood HiFi's Voyager GaN amp $3K/200wpc should be shipping soon. They seem to have a trade in policy to boot!

Markmuse:


I quite liked the M700s, but in my 20 x 40 x 12ft peak, even though my speakers at the time were 93dB (but the woofers were only 10"s I just couldn't get the coupling spl I wanted. Also, Ric introduced his EVS 1200 for about the same price I bought/sold my M700s for, and he offered a 30 day money back.


Best move I made until recently, when I got a pair of EP 3.4s which do not have woofers BUT have 12" carbon Fiber midrange with concentric polyester tweeters. These have taken the music up a few notches, but am anticipating receiving EP 2.8s tomorrow. In addition to the same 12" woofer/tweeter, these have dual 15" carbon fiber woofers in a D'appolito configuration. Needless to say- I CAN'T WAIT
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,049 posts
 
I run the PSA S300 fronted by a Rogue RP-1 with Mullards.    I also acquired a DAC that was reviewed as having "warm" characteristics.  Did this for all the aforementioned reasons.   The sound is good enough for my needs.  I really like the way it fits into a tidy space and runs relatively cool.  It certainly has a volume level sweet spot.  I tried running it plugged directly into the wall vs  my Furman Elite 15 dmi and could not discern degradation with the Furman so thats where its attached. I use entry level PSA power cords and Marrow interconnects.  I would like try a tube or A/B amp some day but not sure I want to deal with the heat and power consumption.  I can't do much of a compare as my previous amp was also class D.   And PSA gave me a really good trade in for it.  So the S300 was Buck Bang for sure.
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
845 posts
 
45 years in audio. I’ve never sampled Class D. Why? Because Class A is so satisfying. 
erik_squires
16,805 posts
 
45 years in audio. I’ve never sampled Class D. Why? Because Class A is so satisfying.


Hard to tell which came first though. It's like mom's home cooking, if that's what you like and want to have nothing else will do. 

Best,

E
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