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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
tweak1
3,643 posts
 
My personal experience might shed insight as to why many class D amps might not live up to their hype


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/digital-cables-optical-coax-bnc-or-a-simple-rca-interconnect

hth
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,753 posts
 
I borrowed a friends class D with about 300 hours on it and didn't like it. Harsh is the best word.
Try a different amp. Not all class D amps sound the same, just as not all solid state or tube amps sound the same.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I'm doing class D over here and it  doesn't sound harsh to me. Everything is so system dependent. In some ways, my previous First Watt F7 was slightly brighter than my current Wyred 750 LE.
mglik OP
902 posts
 
I hear human beings with the AGDs. A revelation!
tweak1
3,643 posts
 
@mglik

I am enjoying a similar revelation (hearing real people and real instruments), though I didn’t spend big money for my EVS1200 (~$2300) and though I have raved about it for the past almost 2 years, I am experiencing it with a whole new level of appreciation. Ditto my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 dac/pre + PS 5 outboard power supply

I wish I could properly thank the person who headed me in the right direction to move on from my optical cable to Coax, but, alas, I don’t recall who :(. Being frugal, I started with Pangea Premier SE 1.0m (on sale at Audio Advisor for $49.95). When I mentioned it in my thread I was told minimum 1.5m is desired. Well from other companies each 0.5m length increase is $50+++, whereas the Pangea is only $10 more, so it’s on its way. It should arrive by Saturday which will give me ample time to break in the 1.0m, though it sounds amazing after just one hour of play

EVS is no longer making the EVS 1200, but has other class D amp tweaks that many can afford

hth


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