2. amps-preamps
  3. 182918-77996

New Class D amplifiers

Hello. I'm very interested in getting your opinion on the newer Class D amplifiers.  There has been a couple of very positive reviews (by Guttenberg) of the Bel Canto C6i and NAD M23.  These, and perhaps some others are offering new technology that significantly lower the class D noise level and other drawbacks.    

I currently use a Class A amp, Pass Labs INT-25 (with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers) which has a wonderful sound. But I am transitioning to another location, and due to using Roon primarily I find that this system stays on most of the day.  Due to heat and power usage of Class A amplifiers, I'm interested in translating to Class D if I find something comparable.

128x128grantgg
gimmer
22 posts
 

I am currently waiting for a LSA Discovery Warp One to arrive.  It is going in a secondary system.

For TAS to like an item at that price point ($1200) I think it will be a good test for my first Class D experience.  I am pairing it with an Audio GD preamp.

ddude003
161 posts
 

Daniel Hertz Maria DAC/Pre/Amp and Active Crossovers all in one box...

aldnorab
171 posts
 

@grantgg I second the idea of joining the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra amp tour, mentioned above by shkong78. It was an ear opener. I immediately ordered the upgraded Ultra Stereo dual power supply model with extra capacitance. Improved imaging, transients, and realism are the results. 

I'm used to VTL ST150 and diy Pass Son of Zen class A amps. Always thought amps had to get hot to sound good. Not any more. Give one a try.

Thanks,

aldnorab 

spaceguitarist
30 posts
 

One of the best amps on the market, although it's a true FDA (full digital driven PWM), so not "exactly" a "class D" (which is analog driven PWM) :

http://audiobidules.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-amplificateur-numerique-technics.html

 

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

Another vote for full digital class D.  The Peachtree Gan 1 ($1400) or the $1600 VTV D300 (also GaN based) amps are as above....fully digital driven PWM....so no DAC or preamp needed.  Right now I am finishing mods on the GaN 1 and driven by a $400 IFI Zen Stream with custom super linear power supply.....the sound is amazing....better than any class D I have heard (I have heard modified IceEdge (the amp that Tweak 1 owns), modified Purifi, modified LSA Voyager Gan based amp and modified Hypex)....all driven by modified DAC).  By the end of the week I will be then doing the same mods to the VTV D300 I have here.  Slightly more powerful than the Peachtree.  What a simple inexpensive killer source and amp!

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