LSA Voyager GAN Amplifier

I run BEl Canto ref1000m amps in my setup for a number of years now. THey’ve been pretty much the bees knees of amplifiers for me to-date. Also a BC c5i which is lower power but newer Class D Icepower board I think. THe two sound much different. I attribute at least some of that to the ARC tube pre-amp I run with the ref1000ms versus C5i all digital integrated amp. Also c5i has SPL limits whereas ref1000ms never break a sweat. See system pics. I am a big Bel Canto fan for great sound in a compact package and always looking for what they come up with next.

GaN is one, but more to an amp than only that.    Need to hear them to properly assess.   Have not heard yet, but on the lookout.   THe Class D amps I have had for a number of years now still bang my drum so not as motivated to jump as I might be.   With new technology, waiting a bit for new advancements to take hold usually pays dividends in terms of value.

@mapman 

I have similar sentiments, however I've not actually had any Class D.  I've been watching recent developments for perhaps a year or more and am in waiting mode.  I'm in no hurry at all, but will "jump" when I assess things (could be a tricky exercise) as stabilizing.

Forums such as this are valuable in the information discovery process.

I enjoy the quote by Mr Reagan.  Some common sense to hang on to.

I would love to just stick something like a NAD m33 in my system and be done. I need to go back when I have more time and kick the tires on that one some more. Have heard mostly Icepower not Purifi to-date so not sure what to expect regarding differences in sound.

Who are you to stand in judgment of anything?

You seem to have an AX to grind with Wally and LSA.

I have just as much right to post an opinion as anyone else. I have no axe to grind with Wally and LSA, I am simply pointing out the less than optimal implementation and resultant load dependency of the amp's frequency response. Funny that someone should take a simple fact personally.

As I mentioned, this load dependency means the amp sounds different with different speakers, and even with the same speaker with a widely variable impedance. This can't be fixed with changing the topology of the amp's feedback circuitry. You can change speaker binding posts, add wood or springs under it, or sprinkle it with the tweakie scam of the day but that won't fix this deficiency. Maybe with some speakers, some will like the added distortion. To each his own.

I prefer and recommend an amplifier designed and tested to add as little to the signal as possible. That way you have a flat response to start with and can then toss your money to scammers who will add some distortion for you. Maybe you think it sounds better that way with a coating of kitty litter or what ever you are willing to believe will take it to 11 without anything other than confirmation bias or blind faith.

Where things head south is when one merely trusts.  Lots of folks out there who want your money.  Gotta be careful.  Verify!

Exactly! But the audio religion peddlers just want blind faith.