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
have an opportunity to score a pair of Red Dragon Audio S500 I need to make sure there aren’t glaringly better options out there
They are basically the same as the Rowland Contiuum S2 built with the same Chinese Sanway Class-D subwoofer module in a less glitzy chassis.

From 6 Moons
"Continuum S2. Red Dragon’s S500 beats with the same heart in a less high-end chassis for roughly half the price."
Cheers George
I have a Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated amp that I am quite happy with, driving KEF LS50’s. Sound is clean and clear and plenty of power for the LS50’s . Also, it was not expensive— I think around $1,400 or so a few years ago. It replaced a Hafler Dh 110 pre-amp and Hafler Dh 220 power amp and I think it sounds much better.
The VTV Purifi based stereo amps start at $979......$1335 with Sparko labs Pro discrete op amps....that price includes delivery, 2 year warrantee and 30 day money back.  Unbeatable value.  These are the amps that I will mostly be modding....for that very reason.  Also, they have mono blocks using 3000 watt power supplies (my idea) that they sell for $2228 a pair including the Sparko labs op amps.......way, way better value than any other company......and if you want to take them to the moon....well, I am here for that.

Yes, I can mod the Apollon and Nord amps as well....but why buy those when the VTV is less money and you can get a bigger power supply for less. 

https://vtvamplifier.com/product/monoblock-high-power-version-vtv-amplifier-with-purifi-1et400a-module-with-input-buffer-options/


Apollon makes a purifi based stereo amp for about $2500. They also have mono blocks.
So does this guy make PURIFI-1ET400A, and they’re only $2400aud that’s $1726usd!!!
And like the Hypex NC500 monoblocks (BelCanto Ref 600 mono’s) he makes also, you can have a better linear power supplie instead of SMP’s as an sound upgrade.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hamersley/stereo-systems/purifi-1et400a-stereo-amplifier-claas-d/1252258350

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hamersley/stereo-systems/hypex-nc-500-class-d-amplifier-mono-pair-with-noratel-transformer/1216893648

Cheers George