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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
gdnrbob
4,508 posts
 
I liken Class D amps to streaming digital music. Both are new technologies, and both are maturing super fast.
Remember when cameras had under 10megapixels at the turn of the century? -Now you can get a 100mp back for medium format. 
Not bad for less than 20 years.
B
akgwhiz
196 posts
 
Following this thread and it's very enlightening.  Too many good, thought -provoking entries to comment on.  Curious if anyone has heard or compared a new gen Rogue  Audio amp using their unique topology that deploys a tube "within" the Hypex module circuit (TubeD, tm)?  Only the Dragon and Hydra amp have this.  As D is quickly evolving, does this have merit, is it audible?
klh007
621 posts
 
@akgwhiz, PS Audio makes a Stellar M1200 using a tube driver and IceEdge 1200AS module. VTV offers a Purifi module with a tube buffer.
akgwhiz
196 posts
 
Klh007, thanks.  Will look at those too.  Just wondering if the tube adds a real (warmth, harmonics) difference or not.  In any of these designs. The notion of rolling to tune to a preference is alluring.  I use an tube buffered R2R DAC and its a real handle to tweak with.  
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello akgwhiz and klh007,

     In looking back on my audio/video systems over the past almost 50 years and participating on this forum for the past 8 years,  I realize I've learned a lot from reading but I believe I've learned just as much, if not more, from just being a bit adventurous and gaining more useful and relevant knowledge by seeking out audio and video experiences as much as I could. 
     As the hip and woke kids say today according to my addled, old man imagination:
"Get yer caboose off dat cushion and go for a good audition."

     What does all this hipness have to do with the topic of tubes and class D amps on the previous 2 posts? Well, if you're curious, the best way to learn and experience the overall sound quality combination is to go for an audition, or take advantage of a free in-home trial period in your own system and room.
     You be the sonic adventurer, learner and discoverer.  There will be no need for verbal descriptions or using our less than accurate imaginations. You'll be able to very thoroughly know the actual sound quality results and make a very informed decision about whether or not you prefer a touch of coloration with your main dish character of very neutral typically delivered from a class D amp.

Best wishes,
    Tim   
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