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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
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

gdnrbob
4,469 posts
 
I am waiting for Ralph Karsten's Class D amp to become available.
If anyone can design a good amp, it is Atmasphere.
B
mike_in_nc
1,163 posts
 
Got to say, I've listened to a couple of them based on older Hypex modules, and I thought they sounded really good. I can't help but wonder if some of the negative sentiment is not entirely based on sound.
bigkidz
3,408 posts
 
IMO the components and speakers that you are going to use with Class D amps are very important.  I know Merrill personally and I also know Tommy Obrien. Both are dedicated to their products.  I have heard them in various systems some that sounded really good and then others that did not impress me.  I am a tube guy so I like the dimension soundstage that tubes offer. 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,104 posts
 
robertjerman,
I hope that you were kidding about the Crown 1502. I owned it and it was the worst amp I have ever used. There are good ones, and Jeff Rowland is among them. 
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