Class D with high efficiency speakers

I'm currently running PS Audio BHK Pre / Atma-Sphere S30 Mk3 OTL into Avantgarde Duo Omega horns (107dB/W 16ohms). I've been very happy with the sound of the OTL's the past 12 years and since retiring have been listening to my system throughout the day as well as evening. This is obviously impacting valve life (although Atma-Sphere amps seem very kind on valves) and my electricity bill.

I'm therefore keen to explore whether any of the new Class D amps would be a suitable match in my system.

I've seen a lot of reviews where Class D amps are feeding low efficiency / low impedance speakers and I can see the benefit of their ability to supply current etc.

My question is, does anyone have any experience of running a new Class D GaNFET amp into high efficiency / high impedance speakers?

rocketiii01-20-2023 10:21am

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kokakolia Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 198 posts 01-20-2023 at 02:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I ran a desktop mini amp with a Tripath TA2024 chip (10W) through my 91db speakers (Closer Acoustics OGY). Yeah it works just fine. No complaints. I only upgraded to a typical 40W class A/B amp for more power. One thing I would be concerned about is the noise floor of some of these cheaper class D amps. The Tripath amp is very mediocre by all standards and the noise floor is noticeable when you put your ear against the driver. I experience the same thing with my class A/B amp. It's hardly a bother. If the Topping PA5 measures well then by all means get it. The convenience of having a book-sized amp which runs cool is a huge plus.
evank Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 304 posts 01-20-2023 at 07:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I'll let you know after the weekend. I have an Orchard Audio Starkrimson which I can hook up to my other system which consists of Zu Omen mkII. Give me a few days.
atmasphere Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 11,793 posts 01-20-2023 at 09:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete My question is, does anyone have any experience of running a new Class D GaNFET amp into high efficiency / high impedance speakers? @rocketiii My speakers are 98dB and 16 Ohms. I've been running our class D GaNFET amps on them the last year and a half or so. They replaced a fully optioned set of our M-60s. I don't miss the tubes at all.
tmccarthy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 31 posts 01-21-2023 at 12:46am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I'm using a Peachtree GaN 400 with Tekton Double Impacts (98 db/4 ohms), and I'm really liking the sound, especially with the addition of a tubed Rogue preamp.
strawj Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 74 posts 01-21-2023 at 01:19am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I am running Peachtree Nova 300 and Harbeth 30.1 24/7 with no probs at all and electric bill is almost un impacted. With a little effort -cords, ethernet- it sounds really good.