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

The two preeminent digital audio gurus of our time are Bruno Putzeys of Mola Mola fame and Peter Lyngdorf. They’re actually friends and have collaborated. Take a look at their amps. Lyngdorf makes a few that include RoomPerfect, the greatest room correction software ever invented. Mola Mola offers small footprint mono blocks that are said to rival the very best Pass Labs amp costing 100k. Their mono blocks are 17k. 

@grantgg that's a pretty BIG list! What's your plan to narrow your choices? Price? Form factor?

krell_fan1

Yes my Lyngdorf MP-40 is probably my last processor. I think it does about as good as I'm goona get. Love it's over the top adjustability and more importantly its sound. Just killer ...

+1 to Wyred4Sound IcePower class D amps. I have the ST500, which I bought used. It sounds at least as good as any solid state amp I've had. Just as important, it doesn't have thin/parched harmonics, dry treble, or that soulless "accuracy" class D is sometimes accused of.

There's an ST1000 F.S. by a Canadian seller on the other audio site that matters. Cheap money and a low-risk way to dip a toe in class D.

I did the tour with the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra and had it in my system for about 9 days. It’s a fantastic amp — dynamic, great bass, good soundstage. It was better in many ways than my Belles Aria monoblocks but not enough to make me want to switch. I also spent a day listening to the Atmasphere Class D monoblocks. Also fantastic amps but felt that the Aria monoblocks were a little more dynamic and transparent. I feel like class A/B amps still have the edge but getting to be almost indistinguishable between the two.