When I was at Axpona 2018, Paragon Audio had Wilson XLF’s powered by D’Agostino M300’s. That was (is) the most natural realistic dynamic sound I’ve ever heard. Everything they played sounded like live music. It brought tears to my eyes because of the cost. After that, I looked and looked and found a great pair of Wilson X1’s and life was grand. I was powering them with old Pass Labs Aleph 2 mono blocks. Just recently I ran across someone selling a pair of M300’s at a very good price and bought them to recreate those moments in Schaumburg. The difference between the Aleph 2’s and the M300’s is very subtle, even on very high resolution Wilsons. Is it worth the price difference? No. I do love them though.
About Class D amps: If anybody thinks they sound as good as a quality Class A amp, you will benefit from better speakers. Specs can't measure how natural an amp sounds. Class D put a "veil" over the music. It’s almost exactly the same as comparing a well recorded vinyl record to its cd version (again, providing you have great equipment). Digital can sound great. But analog will always sound more natural, real and dynamic.
Lastly, of course it boils down to whether you can afford the equipment in the first place. Buy the best you can afford and enjoy it.
About Class D amps: If anybody thinks they sound as good as a quality Class A amp, you will benefit from better speakers. Specs can't measure how natural an amp sounds. Class D put a "veil" over the music. It’s almost exactly the same as comparing a well recorded vinyl record to its cd version (again, providing you have great equipment). Digital can sound great. But analog will always sound more natural, real and dynamic.
Lastly, of course it boils down to whether you can afford the equipment in the first place. Buy the best you can afford and enjoy it.
