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High end Class D amps?

Just an observation and a question. Are there 'high end' Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps? I realize that's a sensitive question to some and I mean no disrespect---but whenever I see others' hifi systems on social media, all of the amps are A or A/B. There's always Pass, McIntosh, Moon, Luxman, Accuphase, etc. Where are the Class Ds? For folks out there that want more power for less efficient speakers and can't afford the uber expensive Class As, A/Bs, what is there to choose from that's close to those brands? Thanks
bluorion
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I like a valve preamp and Class Ds in the summer. I change to a valve power amp in the winter, spring, and fall. I still use Class D for bass duty, 365. Then an A/B for a servo sub system from, GR.. It runs pretty darn cool on all Class D. I like Nords Buffer boards. I also like Sparco 2590 pro chip.. mids are WIDE open with that op amp..and the highs won't blister your ears if your into hard domes. I'm not...

Do they sound better than my Cary V12r, NO. Man I got it sounding special..  For monitor duty, ONLY NO BASS. BUT the Class Ds, are pretty darn good.. BLACK background.. I love um..

Mac, Pass, Mark L, Ampzilla, Accuphase, I've had a few...

Class Ds are the Bomb..

Regards
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I use Class D Audio for center and surround speakers. They sound great in that capacity. I have another Class D amp with upgraded power supply and two modules bridged for mains, it sounds very good, but I haven't used it for months now since my 3C24 amp came on line.

The 3C24 has much lower sensitivity than the Class D, so it's used every day now, so I don't have to adjust my pre-pro (Arcam AV-9) mains channel every time I use my HT system. It sounds great, and at 73 YOA, I figure why not use and enjoy it at all times?

Regards,
Dan
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Here you go.
http://www.sfgic.org/lkv-veros-power-plus.html

mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
Amps based on the PuriFi modules have received glowing reviews. One example is the NAD M33. There also are some small shops assembling amps from PuriFi and other components. Nord and Apollon are two.

I'm pretty sure that 6Moons really liked the PuriFi demonstrator amp. I find it difficult to follow their reviews, between gobbledygook, constant reference to products I don't know, and tiny paragraphs of text sandwiched between huge ads.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


bluorion OP
Are there ’high end’ Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps?


There is only one so far that has taken Class-D and it’s operation to the technology edge, that "could" even better the best Class-A or A/B’s.
And that is the Technics SE-R1 that uses linear power supplies, the latest GaN devices, and has taken their "switching frequency" nearly 3 x higher than any other Class-D’s have so far, which means 3 x far less switching frequency residual noise and all important phase shift at the speaker terminal outputs.

This 55kg monster has taken Class-D technology to the limit "for now."

https://www.stereophile.com/images/styles/600_wide/public/010517-Technics%20SE-R1-600.jpg

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0258/1705/5311/products/parts_image_540x.jpg?v=1586671330

https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html

Cheers George

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