To be clear, the 'D' of class D does not mean 'digital'. All class D amplifiers are analog; if not, its not a class D amp.
Digital amplifier fans, NAD C298 Purifi Eigentakt
I have a tube amp, an A/B amp and now I'd like to experiment with a D amplifier. I would like something from a big name company for build quality, warranty and reputation. I would also like some heft in terms of watts and the ability to get close to doubling output from 8 to 4 ohms. I like NAD's C298, especially price wise but it seems a little lite on wattage. I know I am not describing exactly what I want with sound signature and so forth, but I'd like some names of amplifiers that might meet the wattage, say 300 or above and be below the $3000 mark. Perhaps such a beast doesn't exist except with the boutique manufacturers? With some suggestions, I can then do a little research to see if it fits the bill.
Thanks in advance!
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JKJK: Understood on the power requirements...I was thinking if I like the amp a lot, I generally like watts in the event I purchase very inefficient speakers. Probably overkill and I'm not likely to buy such speakers, but I'm sometimes a bit illogical😊
Russ: I'll take a look at the ps audio, thanks! twoleftears: I'll look at those as well. atmosphere: Yes, I've read that class D does not mean digital. I'm not super electronically inclined, but I think if I saw the waveform going to the speaker, it would be a regular old sign wave like A/B, tube etal. At least I think so🤔 What I find kind of intriguing is the low energy consumption, small footprint and the alleged maturing of the technology with regard to sound quality. |
@61falcon Good luck with your search...I wouldn't stress on all the data sheet marketing details. I have been using Class D for over 10 years. Anyone that wants to promote legacy A, A/B, tube stuff needs to retire and tend to their gardens. Sorry..... Same thing for all our politicians...hah. We are lucky to design a new dedicated room/rooms with our new house build. There are so many options and we have the ability to try most of them. My current reference is Purifi. I have had several NAD products, but would recommend other options using their technology. Please remember Class D is not digital, funny all the legacy folks like to convolute the discussion. Look at some of the new GaN stuff. Currently a huge price difference on what you can buy currently. Will be interesting who gains market share. |
Sir, About 6 months ago, I auditioned the C298 in place of my tube/solid state hybrid amp and was amazed, to say the least. Then, after trying it out and straining to not "jump the gun" and just buy it, I read both Robert Harley's and Kalman Rubinson's reviews of the amp and was astounded at how precisely they described what I had in fact experienced when I had it in my system. I am a reviewer skeptic, to say the least, but this really surprised me. Moreover, as far as power, I sure recommend that you look at the power specs in the Stereophile Tests as well as others on the web about this guy. I could never want for more and it has a very decent load to handle in my system. FYI, I am running a PSA Directstream DAC directly into my C298 with Kimber Select interconnects and driving 13 feet of biwired Audioquest into a pair of Vandersteen Treo CT's. Best money i have ever spent on this crazy hobby in many decades. Good luck with your choice, whatever it is. I believe Class D amps have really become remarkable choices.
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