Competitive class D amp suggestions
I have been Class D fun since a few years ago when i bought my first class D amp. I like the concept, in general, and all the attractive features of this class of amplifiers. I tried 4 different ones, currently i stayed with one of them that i consider to be the best among all four amps. I do enjoy and like it. At the same time, my 5 watts SET amplifier (with more than 100 times higher distortion according to the specs) gives more natural and (surprisingly) notably cleaner sound (THD of the class D amp is 0.001). The soundstage of the class D amp is not so bad but that of the tube one is still better.
I remain attracted by class D amps though.
Any fresh suggestions on reasonably priced class D amps (i mean excluding non-reasonably priced class D amps, e.g., Merrill amplifiers)?
Any comments on non-reasonably priced class D amps are also welcome (so far i was not able to audition many class D amps and am curious if there are some which could really compete with Class A).
Congrats. Do not worry as it will definitely break in. Now, that said, I did not like the the supplied footers, replaced them with inexpensive Nobsound + added ~ 5#s of weight to the top. The W4S (XLR>XLR) makes a lot sense, but quality XLRs and PC will matter. Replacing a Marantz HD CD-1 (used as a transport) with a Audiolab CDT 6000, was another excellent upgrade, as was improving the coax and PC cables to it. Feed it HQ ancillaries and it WILL reward you hth |
+ @tweak1 — A good power cord on the Voyager is a is a must. —spring pods are such a deal (mine are autocrast. Same as nobsound. Inexpensive and so effective). @niodari |
I decided to swap PCs between my transport and my Voyager. The Voyager had a boutique PC from Tek Line Cables (15 yo, then $500, no longer in business), I also have one on my preamp/dac outboard PS. The new PC was better top to bottom with more defined bass umph. Looks like I need 3 more PCs; transport, dac/pre and CorePower PLC |
Your AR 160 Ref stereo is not just the best AR I have heard, it may be the best amp I have heard. The monos must be threw the roof. So cool of your dealer to let you hold on to them. What I heard at your house was superb and definitely had the “organic” sound of tubes. Although I would not say that it was “tubey” at all.
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I only just discovered this thread last night, and I see you've purchased an amp. Even so, I'd like to suggest a Class D amp no one has mentioned. Nuprime announced its Evolution STA dual-mono amp in January. I had already been researching the various new Class D and GANfet amps, and knew the only way I could hear this or that amp, was to go ahead and buy an amp in order to listen to it in my system. Because the Evo STA was the newest of the bunch, I decided to take a chance and buy one. The EVO STA needed a solid 250 hours of burn in before I was satisfied that there were no more obvious changes to its sound. This amp has a warm tube-like character to it yet simultaneously is very revealing and clear. I love how it sounds in my system. I have no idea how it compares to the various other above mentioned amps, but I sure do love its sound. I think it's worth considering if you haven't finished your search. The MSRP is $4995. However, if you check with your dealer, he/she may have 'confidential' pricing. Michael
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