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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
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Hahahah
high end class D?

 Crown or Jeff Roland.The same.

 It’s class D. Subwoofer amps.

 Save cash, get the Crowns!
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello arcticdeath,

     You're obviously inexperienced and have never listened to a good quality class D amp.  What makes you believe your opinion on this subject has any constructive value?

Tim
mike_in_nc
1,163 posts
 
The idea that Class D amps are overly load sensitive was true with early implementations. We are way beyond that now. Take a look at this page about the PuriFi modules. With a 2-ohm load, the THD+N stays below 0.01% up to full rated power.

And to those who say, "The only good ones are made by XXXX." Really?  You've heard EVERY Class D amplifier out there, and under a wide variety of circumstances?
gone
34 posts
 
I'm liking my Bel Canto monoblocks. They have all the power and all the detail and none of the coloration and distortion. Works for me.

I have used them now with two different tube (valve) preamps. I've used them with my Acoustat speakers and it really brought them to life. I use them now with Goldenear Triton Ones, which can handle but do not need that much power (partly because they have class D amps built in for the low end) and that sounds great, too. Keep in mind that I upgraded from Adcom, if that helps.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Class D has clearly turned the corner in my opinion.


This is a smoke screen, they are still "basically" the same, with the same glaring problem, upper mid/highs phase shift, because of  the "switching frequency noise filter" on the speaker outputs.

The only REAL gains so far have been with GaN output devices, and the only one to utilize the 3 x higher switching frequency that they can operate at, is Technics with the SE-R1.
And because of it their "switching noise output filter" is 3 x higher also, therefore there is 3 x less switching noise present at the speaker output at 20khz,  and then also 3 x less "phase shift" going back down into the audible upper mid to high frequencies.

Until other Class-D manufactures have done this, they have clearly NOT turned any corners, but just taken small sideways manoeuvres to make buyers think they are being innovative.  

Cheers George
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