I'll add a vote for the PS Steller S-300. I have been using one for several years. It needs a good power cord like the Anticables. It sounds fantastic in my application. FYI I also own a Pass XA-25 that's also great. They are both fantastic amps that just present music in a slightly different manner. Neither is fatiguing. I am surprised the Stellar is so great as I have been a class D sceptic for years. The class A input stage on the Stellar must be responsible. Anyway, there's a large difference in the price of these two amps. I could happily listen to music played by either.
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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bluorion: " So now I have a Luxman 505UXii integrated with a pair of Dynaudio S40s as well as pair of Tekton Lore References. I alternate b/w the Dyns and the Lores depending on my mood and musical tastes. I love the Luxman but I at times I wish it had some more punch or something. I caught a video on YT recently that had a new Luxman connected to a Pass amp (I think)---I can't seem to find it now. Anyway, it got me thinking about higher output class Ds (like 200+ wpc) and wondered how that would go. I really appreciate everyone's input and suggestions." Hello bluorion, My opinion is that you already assembled a very good system, with a very nice class AB integrated Luxman 505UX ii and the choice of 2 very good pairs of efficient speakers that I would think are well matched and sufficiently powered by a high quality class AB 100 watts of power. From what I've read, Luxman amps are generally regarded as sounding well controlled, smooth, sweet but also detailed. Do you perceive your Luxman integrated as having these sonic traits? If so, and along with your comment about "wanting more punch or something", I'm thinking the combination of your amp and both of your high quality pairs of speakers may be too controlled, refined,smooth and polite for your preferences or tastes. Of course, only you can determine whether my impression is true or not. If this is the case however, I do believe combining the very good preamp section of your Luxman integrated amp with a high powered class D amp is likely to add more dynamic punch and impact to the overall sound of your system. I think this would be generally true utilizing either pair of you speakers but I can't be certain because I lack useful knowledge and experience with both. I'd suggest a very good and safe initial step would be to choose a high powered class D stereo or pair of monoblock amps, on a 30 day free in-home trial basis from a reputable online retailer, and give this possible solution an audition in your own room, system and with your own gear and music. I'd recommend you try a stereo or pair of mono amps from D-Sonic because I'm certain you'll be very pleased with their high quality performance. they offer 30 day free in-home trial periods with full no questions asked refunds, I know they're reputable, the owner, Dennis Deacon https://www.d-sonic.com/, is great to deal with and all their products are reasonably priced. I have no association with D-Sonic, btw, I'm just a very satisfied customer. I also wouldn't hesitate to use even substantially more power than 200 watts/ch with a D-Sonic class D amp or amps; the power is very clean with low distortion and noise, the amps automatically shut themselves down when any malfunction is detected and your speakers will function flawlessly well beyond their maximum power ratings as long as the power is clean. Speakers are damaged by high distortion and clipping, not by very high power. Best wishes, Tim |
Why would a Class-D amp care about phase angle? Many have higher impedance at high frequencies which could come into play but the phase angle of the speaker load would have no impact. |
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