Whatever.
After 50 years, I have finally found my destination amps... AGD Audions!
I will never forget my first system. When I went away to college I bought a $199 Pacific Stereo special-Niko receiver, Lenco TT and Quadraflex speakers. That was 1971.I don't know how many upgrades I have done since. But, by far, finding the "right" amp has been the quest for the holy grail. And after decades of different SETs, finding a SS amp that will satisfy a SET guy has been problematic... until now. I was first inspired by Forum member's rave comments. Then looking at the reviewers, I found the unique and consistent phrase "best regardless of price". With the end users and reviewers all agreeing, I decided to try a pair of AGD Audions.
Within minutes, I understood what everyone was saying. Now, after about a month of listening, I am convinced that I have indeed found the "holy grail". A SS amp that completely satisfies a SET guy... and more. I am thrilled daily by the way the Audions grab me. Now, it is no longer merely listening. It is being enveloped by a sound that opens a window into the musician's hearts and souls. They do so with an incredible lack of distortion, detail and transparency. I have never heard anything like it. Excuse what appears to be hyperbole but now hearing the Audion mono blocks I am overcome with the emotion I hear and emotion I feel.
I have come to understand that AGD Class D amps are indeed unique. The designer, Alberto Guerra, has a long background in integrated circuit development holding 10 patents including those for the MOSFETs used in AGD amps. The galium nitride modules are the only, and patented, GaNs designed specifically for Audio. All other GaNs were designed for battery chargers, radar or lidar, etc. Alberto, like Nelson Pass and SITs, owns all these GaNs made.
These amps are extremely fast. Their switching frequency is far beyond other Class D amps. AGD amps sound organic and natural with great realism like a SET but with liquidity and slam. The definition and immediacy puts them above any SET I have heard. The “tube” on top of AGD amps is a kind of tribute to the original 1906 Audion tube even though they are not vacuum tubes. They do however contain the full output stages. This contributes to heat dissipation and is a clever way to make the amps good for future upgrades. No need to ever buy a “new and improved” model. Just replace the tube. Alberto has issued a Mark II tube which is already used in his new amps and available for older.
Some would question the unique cosmetic design but once they are heard they become very beautiful. And, personally, I find them very attractive beyond the normal metal box. And the attention to fit and finish is of a high level including two excellent power cords and flight cases for shipping.
AGD amps are my final, destination amps. I am thrilled daily. My only considered upgrade would be to the top line Gran Vivaces.
Within minutes, I understood what everyone was saying. Now, after about a month of listening, I am convinced that I have indeed found the "holy grail". A SS amp that completely satisfies a SET guy... and more. I am thrilled daily by the way the Audions grab me. Now, it is no longer merely listening. It is being enveloped by a sound that opens a window into the musician's hearts and souls. They do so with an incredible lack of distortion, detail and transparency. I have never heard anything like it. Excuse what appears to be hyperbole but now hearing the Audion mono blocks I am overcome with the emotion I hear and emotion I feel.
I have come to understand that AGD Class D amps are indeed unique. The designer, Alberto Guerra, has a long background in integrated circuit development holding 10 patents including those for the MOSFETs used in AGD amps. The galium nitride modules are the only, and patented, GaNs designed specifically for Audio. All other GaNs were designed for battery chargers, radar or lidar, etc. Alberto, like Nelson Pass and SITs, owns all these GaNs made.
These amps are extremely fast. Their switching frequency is far beyond other Class D amps. AGD amps sound organic and natural with great realism like a SET but with liquidity and slam. The definition and immediacy puts them above any SET I have heard. The “tube” on top of AGD amps is a kind of tribute to the original 1906 Audion tube even though they are not vacuum tubes. They do however contain the full output stages. This contributes to heat dissipation and is a clever way to make the amps good for future upgrades. No need to ever buy a “new and improved” model. Just replace the tube. Alberto has issued a Mark II tube which is already used in his new amps and available for older.
Some would question the unique cosmetic design but once they are heard they become very beautiful. And, personally, I find them very attractive beyond the normal metal box. And the attention to fit and finish is of a high level including two excellent power cords and flight cases for shipping.
AGD amps are my final, destination amps. I am thrilled daily. My only considered upgrade would be to the top line Gran Vivaces.
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- 61 posts total
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@earlyflynn if you cant see that Class A is dying youre not watching. I dont mean in our eyes, I mean in ability to buy the legacy components from which to build the amps. The devices to make old school amps is dwindling down and they are obsoleting them. There is no demand except for HiFi, so there is no demand. The generations under me (with a few exceptions im sure) have no interest in heavy and hot and huge, its an embarrassment to them. Class A is a blatant waste of energy and these days its seen as gross and not applauded except for our little hobby. I own several Class A amps and am not willing to let them go at this point regardless of the aforementioned. Truth is production of Class A amplifiers will most likely be buried in 10 years. If things go the way they have been, expect Class A amps to have an energy waster tax attached to them. And I know its a hard pill to swallow but Class D is finally at world class level. I did not like it either. Im a class D hater. But Im honest and I can not argue this one out . All the best ... |
@mikepowellaudio reading comprehension is an issue for you all. I am not a class D hater. Every month there are new class A and AB integrated’s, power and mono blocks hitting the market. https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2021/07/09/audio-by-van-alstine-dva-m225-monoblock-amplifiers-review/ We will see in 10 years as for your energy waster tax that will add what $4.00 to the price of a class a product. It will fail just as the Gas Guzzler Tax of 1978 did. Consumers speak with their wallets and Suburbans, Tahoe’s and Pickup Truck reign supreme in sales and all are taxed under that statute. At the end of the day the consumer tells the manufacturer what to build and sell. Also I have class D equipment in my house as well as A and AB equipment. There is no argument and supply chain will recover and the market will make what the consumer wants. |
I was going to post this on the other Class D thread but that has Died On The Vine… This silly argument reminds me of the Motorcycle Brand Wars in the 80’s and 90’s and kind of still lives on today by a few hard core HD riders. I was at a track day at the Hasslet MS Ranch in Oklahoma and I rolled out my latest piece of Italian machinery an Aprilia RSV1000SP a Factory Superbike. One of my customers was there with 4 year old Honda CBR600 and looked at my machine, he just said WOW and all I have is this little Honda. I was in the MC business as a parts supplier at the time and always had the latest gadgets in my shop. So we went out for a couple of sessions and got our timing sheets. The next session came up and I gave the kid the Aprilia to ride for that session. I then rolled out a 10 year old Honda RVF400 I bought in Canada (never was sold in US Market) I went out on the track and and lapped this kid twice on the latest gadgetry from Naoli Italy on a 10 year old Honda that had not been service in 4 years other than rubber and oil. We came back in got our timing sheets and the kid was slacked jawed his times were slower. I looked at him and said “You have have apple before you can polish it”. I told the kid it only matters that you ride and not what you ride. I think this relates and I am sure many will not get it. Listen to what topology you like ABCDZRF, if it works for you then great I am happy for you. Bottom line for me is it’s about the Music (the ride) not the vehicle you use. @mglik I am so happy for you and I am giving the AGD’s a test ride. Many of you will twist this post all around and come at me with your agenda. Well enjoy your ride cause I going to get my deceased sons Triumph Speed Triple out and ride around the lake today it was his favorite place to ride. Let the twisting begin. |
- 61 posts total