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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
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i bought a set of levinson class d mono blocks about 10 years ago, largely on recommendation of some retailers and levinson's brand name

they were truly awful sounding - all the cliches about class d were true - lifeless, thin, one dimensional, lacking in drive PRAT

for an expensive set of amps i don't remember another one i turned around and resold as quickly

been about a decade now, i am giving it another chance, trying one of ej sarmento's wyred4sound units as i have very good luck with his digital gear and feel he has very good ears

we shall see
ricevs
1,543 posts
 
Front what I see the WFS Class D amps use older stock Icepower modules and just stick a fet front end on it. Very old school. Average, at best. Try Merrill ($16K+), AGD ($7.5K+), Megachino Cherry ($6.2K+), and EVS modded Purifi/Ncore 1200 ($2.4K-$4K).....these amps will show you what Class D can do now.

Yes, I remember the audio mag review on those Levinson amps.....he did not like it much at all.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The new NAD M33 that uses the Purifi amps looks interesting.  I would avoid "modded" versions of kitchen table builds.
erik_squires
16,733 posts
 
BTW: I like some class D a lot better than some class A.

I’ve had audiophiles in my home and not once has anyone said "wow, those amps really sound like Class D."

You could not tell a class D from a good linear amp as being Class D. You can hear differences like you can with any amps but none of the tired tropes about class D deficiencies need apply here.

Best,

E
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,322 posts
 
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