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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
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
As Ric says,  the caps will still last 15 years or so! No worries. The caps are cheap to replace folks.
And all the while the sound degrades as you boil away the electrolyte.

IMO, as a design engineer, replacing caps is not a mod. While it may alter and in some systems improve the sonics, it is at best transitory.

Electrolytic capacitors begin degrading from the moment they are made. In today's marketplace, the cap you buy today may or may not be identical to the one you bought last year, even if it is from the same manufacturer and the same µF & V.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
Sure.  Good luck with that audio view with your system.  Carry on. 
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
I have a NuPrime ST-10 Class D. It drives the woofers only. I tweaked it a bit by venting the case, adding a tiny fan and removing the balanced input. Before the venting, the amp became a bit nasty once the case hit 40°C. Not no more.

I redesigned my Tubes4HiFi M-125s [mid-range only]. In the PSU, I replaced the underrated [suspect] Nichicon 75µF with a bank of 6  genuine UCC 330µF and a soft start. On the driver, under voltage 400V with 550V.

The first is a mod, the second a correction.

I've been actually modding HiFi gear since the 60's. Replacing caps ain't it.

AND there is no SONIC difference between leaving SS equipment on all the time and powering it on and letting it warm for ≈20 minutes EXCEPT THE 'LYTIC CAPS LAST A WHOLE LOT LONGER! And thus the sonics persist.

Other than Class A, SS gear is always sonically vacillating as the thermal operation point changes with the program.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
I agree with most of your comments as I also mod, upgrade and build gear and cables.  Passion of mine.  Just look at my virtual system. 
However, one really cannot make a blanket statement about how all gear does not sound any better being left on.  Some do and that has been proved out over time with my ears and a resolving system.  Most gear needs under an hour, but some dacs and amps can take up to 24 hours.  This has been true of my Lyngdorf 2170, TRL SS amplifier and several dacs.  
My EVS 1200 amp is staying on! 
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
I should mention that new gear got powered for a full week before listening. Amps got a 24hr 10% power burn-in on a load.

I travelled overseas a lot, sometimes for several weeks. ALL gear off and unplugged. 24 hour toast up upon return, then back to 20 minute warmups
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