Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)
Hey guys.
Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.
But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?
The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.
Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?
In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?
- Jack.
If you are able, perhaps make your way to Axpona in April where you will be able to audition a variety of many of the amps currently available and perhaps engage in meaningful social intercourse with the designers. Even within Class D there are different technologies and designs which you have the opportunity to learn about in between now and zen. I recognise perhaps two or three purveyors of Class D in that link. There maybe more that I don’t recognise. |
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You will pay a premium in TCO for a good power guzzling Class A amp. No need these days IMHO. So many practical and affordable and great sounding Class Ds in various kinds of integrated devices. Class D is where it’s at these days and in the future. Pick some and listen for yourself. Also consider features and practicality if that matters to you. |
If I were in the market for a new amp, I'd definitely be looking at Atma-Sphere's new GaN class D monoblocks. If there's anyone who will do class D justice, it's Ralph Karsten. If they really give his tube amps a run for their money, then his class D might be very high level performers, and they aren't terribly expensive at $~5-6K. For 2 channel, I've only owned one class D, the NAD C388. It was very neutral, albeit a bit "dry" sounding in the treble, and perhaps a bit anemic in the midrange. I don't think all class D is like that though. It's all in the implementation, I have no doubt that some class D out there sound fantastic, I just have no interest in it at this point in the game. |
