2. amps-preamps
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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!

128x12861falcon
61falcon's avatar
61falcon OP
110 posts
 

jedi1, that is one positive review! Nice to hear from folks that own the unit. I'm still doing some research, but the C298 is high on my list. 

 I have some indecision however that relates to the continued evolution of the D technology and the possibility of price reductions due to increase sales volume. Perhaps I'm being naive with the price reduction aspect...

I wish Audiogon and other audio forums would have a subcategory of amplifiers dedicated to class D. There may well be reasons they do not break it down to that level, but trying to find information specific to D-amps requires a lot of winnowing down amplifiers not in the category.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,778 posts
 

I wish Audiogon and other audio forums would have a subcategory of amplifiers dedicated to class D. There may well be reasons they do not break it down to that level, but trying to find information specific to D-amps requires a lot of winnowing down amplifiers not in the category.

One of the problems you're up against is that the sound of class D amps varies as much as the difference between tube and solid state. Depending on what people have heard, you see really variable comments- some people will never try one again, having heard something dreadful (and rightfully so) and others have had the luck to have heard (likely one of the more recent) class D amps that really tick all the boxes.

20 years ago class D was a joke. It isn't that way any more. I'm of the opinion that any amp manufacturer that doesn't make a class D amp will get left behind in short order.

61falcon's avatar
61falcon OP
110 posts
 

Atmosphere says in plain English what I am slowly finding out: The D amps have a lot of different sound signatures so simply buying a D amp, at least for me, is not as easy as I thought it would be. 

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

FYI.....you might want to look at 10 audio.com.....he reviewed the C298 and did not think it was that great......then he reviewed another amp from VTV with additonal mods (from me) that uses the same Purifi module........he likes it much better.  Everything you do makes a sonic difference.  If you think you know what a class D....or an IcePower or a Purifi or whatever sounds like by listening to one example.....then you are not really wanting to KNOW.....This game is infinite.....Enjoy.

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