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Class D amps that are superior to all or most?

Recently, I have heard about some Class D amps that may be close to the best there is regardless of class. Certainly, this technology has been in development for decades. The main issue has always been the switching power supply. In this regard, I have taken notice of AGD. They have created a whole new power supply that “switches” at a frequency 100 times the normal silicon based MOSFET. The designer uses a gallium nitride based PS. Interesting, it is enclosed in the KT88 glass envelope that sits on top of his amps. I am aware of two more pricey amps that seem to be also at the top- the Solution and the Merrill. There must be others that compete for the title. After my thread, “Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”, I am still on the quest.
Don’t want to spend $50K!
mglik
furiouslyadrift
42 posts
 
I’ve been really impressed with Nuprime’s amps… although they do not claim them as class D, but as a hybrid. Hypex and Purifi based amps range from ok to breathtaking.

My preference is class A or AB for tweeters and maybe mids with D for lows and subs. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,437 posts
 
George, those Class D Audio USA amps look nice, but boy are they butt ugly. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,437 posts
 
Btw,  Class G and Class H are really nice sounding.  Typically they are the first X # of watts in Class A and then switching comes in above that.  I've heard a few and owned one (Creek Evolution 100) and they sound really nice.  
jimob
88 posts
 
I think Class D can be very good but class AAB done right is more natural  overall.My Coda CSIB integrated amp Beats many excellent separates, in class D not one  great Integrated , Merrill Audio  very good but at $20-  $30 k No thanks too many Class A-AB amps That  are better .I have have heard others ,  which are very respectable ,but still a couple steps behind from my experiences.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


George, those Class D Audio USA amps look nice, but boy are they butt ugly.


 Yes not the best looking, but what’s inside is what counts, they "could" be as good as $5k ones for just $699

Otherwise if all that’s important is the look, then I call those "Glitz Queens" and they are usually the ones that parade their glitzy stuff on glitzy racks in between the speakers.
Not caring they are totally stuffing up the imagine properties by doing that.

But they don’t care as they are hypnotized by the shimmer of their equipment they are gazing at while trying to listen..

Cheers George
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