Hello mikem,
As I understand it, many class D power modules have traditionally had rising distortion levels as the frequency being reproduced increased. This is what led to these amps sounding a bit overly bright or harsh in the upper treble region and listener fatigue. I think this is what you were perceiving.
I believe the new Purifi class D power modules, designed by Bruno Putzeys, have claimed to have solved this problem by significantly reducing distortion in the upper treble region through the use of global negative feedback levels in excess of 35%. Figuring out how to successfully do this has proven to be a very difficult thing to do and is, therefore, considered a technology breakthrough.
However, I'm not an expert on this subject and make no claims of having a complete understanding of it. Actually, I find this whole topic a bit perplexing based on my class D experiences. For example, I use a pair of D-Sonic M3-600-M monoblocks in my system that are now over 6 yrs old and utilize Anaview/Abletec power modules that are at least as old technology wise. Why do these amps provide upper treble frequency performance in my system and with my main speakers that is, according to my perceptions, very detailed and revealing without ever sounding harsh or bright?
Do these amps or modules utilize some alternative method or technology to provide such high quality levels of performance? Perhaps I'm boasting a bit about the high quality performance levels of these amps, but the main factors influencing my inquiries are curiosity, a search for logical and reasonable explanations and the attainment of knowledge and understanding.
My suggestions for you, mikem, are that you are likely to find very good class D amp options in a new Purifi module based amp, a new or used D-Sonic amp or amps or even other high quality class D amps. As other experienced users have already mentioned, not all class D amps sound the same and I'm certain they all don't reproduce the upper treble frequencies in an overly bright, harsh or fatiguing manner.
Best wishes,
Tim
As I understand it, many class D power modules have traditionally had rising distortion levels as the frequency being reproduced increased. This is what led to these amps sounding a bit overly bright or harsh in the upper treble region and listener fatigue. I think this is what you were perceiving.
I believe the new Purifi class D power modules, designed by Bruno Putzeys, have claimed to have solved this problem by significantly reducing distortion in the upper treble region through the use of global negative feedback levels in excess of 35%. Figuring out how to successfully do this has proven to be a very difficult thing to do and is, therefore, considered a technology breakthrough.
However, I'm not an expert on this subject and make no claims of having a complete understanding of it. Actually, I find this whole topic a bit perplexing based on my class D experiences. For example, I use a pair of D-Sonic M3-600-M monoblocks in my system that are now over 6 yrs old and utilize Anaview/Abletec power modules that are at least as old technology wise. Why do these amps provide upper treble frequency performance in my system and with my main speakers that is, according to my perceptions, very detailed and revealing without ever sounding harsh or bright?
Do these amps or modules utilize some alternative method or technology to provide such high quality levels of performance? Perhaps I'm boasting a bit about the high quality performance levels of these amps, but the main factors influencing my inquiries are curiosity, a search for logical and reasonable explanations and the attainment of knowledge and understanding.
My suggestions for you, mikem, are that you are likely to find very good class D amp options in a new Purifi module based amp, a new or used D-Sonic amp or amps or even other high quality class D amps. As other experienced users have already mentioned, not all class D amps sound the same and I'm certain they all don't reproduce the upper treble frequencies in an overly bright, harsh or fatiguing manner.
Best wishes,
Tim