Gave up my SET----looking for moderate to higher power replacement options

“Do any of the Class D amps truly approach SET sonics?”
Well that’s a wishful thinking :-)

The two brands that are very close to SET sonics are Pass Labs and Accuphase, both amps I’ve listened were Class A. For $3K budget, keep your eyes peeled for used bargain like this one,
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649702521-pass-labs-305/

For class D, check out Audion Monoblocks from AGD,
https://agdproduction.com/audion/

https://youtu.be/vPsbuYaQ7es

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/09/30/agd-productions-sigma-acoustics-rmaf-2019/

I’ve heard the AGD Vivace GaNTube™ monoblocks driving the the Sigma Acoustics MAAT Vector XAC speakers, best class D sound but still nowhere near the SET magic.

Good luck with your search!

And despite the modest power rating, this amp had startling dynamics.

Because the ear uses higher ordered harmonics to sense sound pressure, and because this amp was really being pushed to hard to drive this speaker, higher ordered harmonics were showing up on the transients where the power is. IOW, it was distortion masquerading as 'dynamics'.


The mark of a good system is that it does not sound loud even when it is. This will be because distortion is controlled.


SETs make a particular type of distortion known mathematically as a Quadratic Non-linearity. This results in the primary distortion component being the 2nd harmonic followed closely by the 3rd. This gives you a rich sound, but again its due to distortion. The only class D amps that make that kind of distortion are zero feedback designs. You'll have to ask if they have a quadratic non-linearity; if they don't know what you're talking about don't buy the amp even if you don't know what that is either :)

Amps that make a 3rd harmonic might be interesting to you. The ear treats the 3rd the same as the 2nd, but amps that make the 3rd harmonic as the primary distortion component tend to be overall lower distortion. If you want the musicians to sound real this is a better way to go. Such an amp will still have some romance- it won't be dry.

Have you considered other tube amplifiers?

The best-sound class D right now (pending a few anticipated future releases) are likely going to be the AGD, already mentioned above, and the LKV Veros.  Both of which are well outside your price range.

SS: along with Pass and Accuphase, I'd add Sugden.

I just don't see you finding the magic you've had anywhere else but tubes. Asking to get that magic while also playing loud AND for under $3k is a pretty tall order. At least with your speakers, which if they are the clones you say they are then they are about 95dB. Which could be worse, but could also be better.

All I can say, I get plenty of tube magic from my Melody, (it was about $2500 full retail when new), and a Raven Nighthawk will sound even better and you can get one for $3k. The Melody was able to play good and loud with Talon Khorus that were only 92dB. Now with Moabs at 98dB it plays a lot louder without ever going anywhere near where it was with the less efficient Khorus.  

Of course we have no way of knowing if your DIY speakers are 95dB, or more, or less. Huge difference. Could be all you need are Tekton Double Impacts.

Anyway, I would totally give the Raven Nighthawk a try.

What I heard with the JAS Array 2.1 was a purity that I hadn't heard before nor in any thing else in my system since.  The sound was not warm nor lush.  It was quite neutral in that sense if not slightly lean.  And the images had a fullness and a very clear place in space that sounded "real".  It was just more detailed with subtleties that increased realism beyond anything else.   That's what I'm asking about in a possible Class D replacement.  I hear much of it in some of the gainclones I've tried but they tend to be lower powered as well.  For  90% of my listening, that's not an issue.  And I don't think I was pushing the JAS or the gainclones the majority of the time.  But, there are those occasions and some music just cannot be listened too at lowish levels, right?

Atmasphere--you've responded to a few of my inquiries and I always appreciate your comments.  I put on my reading glasses and go over your comments several times to make sure I comprehend all that I can.  Regarding tubes.....I would be happy to try something like the Rogue Hydra.  But I want to get away from a full-tube amplifier.  

And I gave a lot of thought to the Pass xa 25 and 30.5.  I posted here asking about their transparency/detail compared to the Gamut D100/200 and got the impression that they are a bit less detailed and perhaps colored.  The reviews sound great but leave me wondering if there are options closer to what I'm looking for.

Millercarbon----I have read lots of Tekton reviews and have considered the DI SE's.  Most reviews sound spot on for what I like in a speaker but every now-and-then, a reviewer comments on how the top end just doesn't sound as polished as it could.  I read that the Spatial Audio M-4 bettered the Tektons.  Now, I'd have to look it up the be more specific, and I did see other similar complaints but more than anything else, I really do like my DIY/Legacy Focus clones.  They replaced a pair of Von Schweikert VR 4 gen II and the improvement was vast.  And since then, I lined the cabinets with sound deadener, rewired with solid core silver plated copper and paid to have the crossovers upgraded.  I also bypass the binding posts and run the wires directly to the crossovers.  And they're just to damn big to ship.  

others----will look into the Hydra, the 12au7 has been a long time favorite tube of mine.  I will also look into the AGD and LKV amps.  These are the kind of recommendations I am hoping for, amps I've never heard of.  There are just so many fairly obscure Class D amps to investigate so thanks for pointing me in the right directions.  Thanks all!