Atma-Sphere Class D… Amazing

I agree with Ralph regarding future sales of tube amps. Sure, some will always want to own one, but sales will erode dramatically over the next 10 years. Seems like a rather reasonable statement. Innovation in Class D amplification will continue and magnificent sounding options will be introduced at ever increasing speed delivering sonic improvements many felt impossible just a year or two ago. 

I said I was done but this is such nonsense. Amplifier design and amplifier performance has been dictated by the limitations of loudspeakers. There is no perfect amplifier because there is no perfect loudspeaker.  "Magnificent sounding options" and "Sonic improvements many felt impossible just a year or two ago". What flowery and prosaic language! That's a good one. The euphonic nature of tubes happens to suit the limitations of many loudspeakers in a manner that solid state often fails. Charles Hansen wrote about this towards the end of his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L0k3-cporQ&t=5s  Think of an amp as a complimentary solution to a problem elsewhere in the chain, not the source of the problem and impediment to sonic bliss.

What preamps work well with these class D amps?

I suppose it’s still possible to have an opinion without some folks getting angry? Ralph, myself, and all Agoners have thoughts and opinions. No reason to make fun of or attack these opinions. This forum is simply a place to share them.

I will add to my opinion here. Class D integrated amps with tube preamp sections will also grow in popularity. Tube preamps will continue to sell well in the future.

Amplifier performance is also held back by the amplifier itself completely independent of the speakers. We are not producing flawless and perfect amplifiers. Yes, how amplifiers interact with imperfect speakers also plays a critical role sonically. No doubt.

@fsonicsmith, no need to stop posting on this thread, but it would be helpful and kind if you worked on your demeanor and respected opinions that differ from yours.

I agree with @grannyring . Class D GaN FET (Orchard Audio Ultra) is the future and all Tube, Class A, Class A/B Amplifiers are antiquated Dinosaurs ! But a high quality DAC (PS Audio DirectStream Sr.) and a highly resolving Tube Preamp )BAT VK-50SE fresh form the Factory with new Mundorf Paper in OIl Capacitors - I couldn’t afford the Transformer upgrade) ARE A MUST !!

​​​​​​

I have been anxiously awaiting Ralph’s Class D.

Am a big A-S fan and joyfully use his MP-1 preamp.

Since “going home” to Quad ESL 57s, I have cycled through several amps to find the best match for the Quads.

I have the chance to put money down to get on the waiting list (6-8 weeks) for the A-S Class D. May still do that, but have bought an ARC Ref 80S.

I was floored by the sound of the ARC Ref 160S at a friend’s. The best system I have heard. Was so engaging that I couldn’t not listen.

So far, I have decided that the ARC Ref sound may have attractive “tube qualities” that Ralph’s do not. That is, a level of organic/real. 
And even though price does not represent quality, the $16K Ref 80S should be in a different league from the $5400 A-S. 
This is only a guess. Not yet hearing the A-S amps. But still thinking that those tube qualities are yet to be captured by a SS amp. 
As a previous die hard SET guy, that sound is called sweet. To non tube guys, it is called colored.