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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.

jackhifiguy
jackhifiguy OP
151 posts
 

I'm reading and learning a lot from you all. Thank you so much! I'm humbled.😊

laoman's avatar
laoman
444 posts
 

@bigkidz, so what is your opinion of Mola Mola and Spec for example, if you are still waiting to hear the great Class D sound?

dmyersmd
16 posts
 

Sounds like I should dump the Boulder 3050s and go for a pair of Hypex monoblocks. 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

Objectivism ruled and high negative feedback gave vanishingly low THD and IM numbers.  However, the resulting sound quality got worse, not better.  TIM distortion was discovered, feedback was dialed back, and the importance of listening was once again proved.

This statement isn't entirely correct! TIM was simply caused by part of the amplifier being outside the feedback loop. With regards to 'high feedback' there were none in the 1970s that had enough Gain Bandwidth Product to support that feedback at high frequencies- so at higher frequencies the feedback fell off and distortion increased- resulting in the 'harsh and bright' solid state sound that has plagued solid state amps since their inception.

his statement was to me that he has heard amps that compete - so since I cannot get a hold of his amps - I am asking him to provide me with his experience based upon his response to me.

To date, we have not heard a class D amplifier that competes in sound quality.  We are open to hear something that comes close but not yet to our ears.

"I have. FWIW class D amps vary at least as much in sound as tube amps do."

The amp that convinced me that we needed to being working with class D was a Cherry amp. I've not heard the Orchard but it seems to get very nice comments. A couple of customers have the AGD amplifier and are very happy with them.

The bottom line is you can't say if you've heard one you've heard them all! I've heard some that I had to really ask if the manufacturer was serious (that was a long time ago).

spenav
430 posts
 

@bigkidz

OK, so your amps at least to your ears are better. Fair enough. My question to you then is: what other amp(s) do you feel compare(s) favorably to your amps?

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