High end Class D amps?
@bluorion I recommend you google a few basics on Class D amps. First of all, the D does not stand for digital; A, B, and C, were all already taken, so it was simply the next letter in the alphabet. A class D amplification circuit has a different topology/operation from the others. Simplifying a lot, you'll find that many of the amps for sale contain three basic elements, an input buffer, the amp proper, and a power supply. There's a lot of mix and match with these three elements. There are different kinds of input buffer, and even ones that incorporate a tube. There are different amp modules, from Purifi, Hypex, IcePower and several others. There are switching-mode power supplies and linear power supplies; a subset of linear power supplies is those that employ toroidal transformers. Some makers allow you to "assemble" your own amp on their website selecting from the available alternatives. From here it gets a lot more complicated. There are some genuine digital amps (not that many), and the next big thing will likely be GaN amplification. All of these terms are googleable. |
My baseline was a six year old McIntosh MA-7900 which was lovely and warm, in addition to being easy on the eyes. My speakers were B&W 804Ds -- pretty mainstream... That said, I’m in a new home office and while generously proportioned, I need an amp with a much smaller footprint. Engaging the folks at Boenicke in Basel for advice, Sven responded directly and suggested that, if patient, I could be an early adopter and trial the new P1 amp (Class D). I’m running his W5SE+ speakers (ridiculously expensive) and sold on their standards of excellence, so I waited... Now being a month into enjoying the setup, I’m enormously pleased. I’ll next upgrade my W5’s to Boenicke’s W8SE+ floor standers (on a swing base). The W8’s footprint in relation to the W5’s on stands is only modestly larger, but the added volume delivers what can only be heard to be believed. https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/electronics/p1/ https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/loudspeakers/w5/ https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/loudspeakers/w8/ |
@noble100 Thanks ! Appreciate the response.. I have the pass XA25 which gets really warm, but it’s not a room heater like the higher output XA amps can be. I’m in NC too, which is why I eventually let my BAT VK75SE monos go. I was using various class D amps during the summer months. Those were driving my Vonschweikert VR7’s. Have since moved on to some Daedalus Speakers which are 95db sensitive, but need current to come alive. The Lil pass does a good job and sounds SET like without melting the surroundings. Been a great hobby during all the home time.. |
