So what does the A mean?
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
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The D in class D has nothing to do with digital. This amplifier topology just happened to be the fourth (after A, B, and C) to be described and was assigned the letter D. It does so happen that class D switches the output transistors, but then so does class E. It would be nice if this thread focused more on what differentiates a great sounding class D amp from a mediocre one, instead of the unsubstantiated reasons why class D can't possibly be considered high end. My personal experience with class D is limited. I had a pair of Nord NC500 monoblocks for a little while. There was a lot to like about them - the were very detailed, quiet, and powerful, as well as being small, light and cool - but I just didn't feel the emotional connection to the music that I did with the big Krell amp they replaced or the Parasound JC5 that replaced them. However, I don't believe my experience with the amps is an inherit limitation of class D. I just don't think these particular amps were a good match for the system I had at the time. I think class D has a lot of potential and I'm very interested to understand what makes some class D amps sound better than others. |
The Starke AD4.320 isn't sold out, is it simply backordered until the end of December. https://shop.starkesound.com/products/starke-sound-ad4-amplifier Pricing is still $839 shipped. I hooked the AD4.320 up to my Moabs today and liked it better than the PS Audio S300s that are on that system. |
Listen to Ric! He knows what's up. I had Emerald Physics 100.2SE monos (with custom fuses), which I replaced with PS Audio M700 monos, which sounded quite good, but I couldn't resist that Ric introduced his EVS 1200 dual mono IcePower AS1200 module based amp with a 30 day guarantee. Twice the power for my ~ 20 x 35 x 12 room. Similar $$$$, but no comparison. Im still waiting on the Voyager GaN amp. What little I know is that it is mostly a ground up design. Lots of trial and errors. Im still looking forward to receiving it, but even less convinced that it can be that much better than my EVS1200. Time will tell hth |
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