Anybody else waiting for GaN and Purify to have a baby?

I thought these eval boards were not optimized for audio? At least the first generation one.
In any case, I doubt these boards possess the design magic and proprietary GaN's that AGD has.

@art_boston 

They are meant to be for audio, but also to allow a designer to evaluate the GaNFET capabilities. One of the ways they show that off is the board is supplied without heatsinks- it can run full power into 8 ohms without damage. This is also why the power supply that comes with that kit is current limited (so the amp is limited to 114 watts/channel into 4 ohms) so as to not overheat the output devices- which they would do if putting out 400 watts (the devices can handle that power if heatsinked). Overall the product ticks the boxes set out by GaN Systems but if you are looking for a high end audio class D amp you're better off looking elsewhere. Not that this board is bad by any means, just that other products not meant for evaluation are better for audio.

As it stands I’m thinking pairing the GaN 5 with a decent tubed preamp could be the heart pretty darn good-sounding system for not much $$$.  Yes?  No?  What tube preamp would you use?  Off the top I’d be curious about a Schiit Freya+ or a Quicksilver Line Stage.  What say you?

@pinwa  The LSA Voyager has no home trial period and comes with a hefty restocking fee.  The electronics inside the Voyager and the Peachtree are identical; only things different are the cases, the wire, and the connectors.  My guess is that the Voyager/Peachtree would slot in between the Class D Audio and the AGD, but closer to the Class D GaN 5.  Orchard has an interesting stereo unit coming but it isn't out yet.

The AGD amps are already into a second generation, at the same pricing I believe. I'm on the sideline as to jumping in to GaN amps. If I do it would be for an AGD, as I simply put more value into this manufacturer's resume. The proof is already in the pudding: the AGD offerings are first class.

Of course, if Atma-Sphere, and others, do the same and properly design their product, then I'm open to consider them. Again, though, Alberto sure knows best with this new technology.

I know I don't want to invest in a guy who just slaps in eval boards in a case and calls it a day.

I find this thread fascinating.  I am a big fan of class A amps. Especially paired with tube preamps. These new generation of amps appear to be opening new doors. I would love to do a direct comparison against my First Watt amps.  Any insight to how the GaN amps in similar price range would stack up to a FW J2 or F5? 

  This,at least for now is just hypothetical.