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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
 
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
6,534 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
boomerbillone
360 posts
 
Hello mglik.  The AGDs are great amps. So is the Starke Sound AD4-320. Four channels, great for electronic crossovers and two way speakers. Priced reasonably. You can return them if you are not pleased. They use a "conventional" (non switching) power supply. 
rh67
307 posts
 
The Starke Sound AD4-320 is priced reasonably at $1300, i almost bought one in Dec. when they were on sale for $1000.

For me the AGD's are SOTA and that's what i'm after.
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