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.
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- 222 posts total
Of course it is accurate. There are Hypex nc500 and Purifi amps, complete, from several sources, that are around $1000. No, they don't have a linear supply (they don't need one), no, they don't have a flashy case, nor do they have something you have to hide. They have decent warranties and companies that stand behind them. They are easy to repair and update. And most have a 2 to 5 year warranty, compared to your 3. And let's not forget, these are 400W, 500W into 8 Ohms, in other words, double the power or more than your 200W into 8 Ohm amps.
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@ddafoe , I noticed that you have the new AtmaSphere amps. Congratulations on the new acquisition. Would be eager to know how they compared to the Pass you had perviously. I have read nothing but great reviews about Ralph’s Class D amps. |
There may be not much of universal objectivity in comparing different amplifiers. The tastes are different . Most people like 8 cylinder pickups. I don't like them independently of their price and the gasoline they require. I prefer a light sport car. If an "American meat and potato" translates to an 8-cylinder pickup, I am not sure if I will like Atmosphere class d. In fact I am not impressed with Pass labs stuff, it's again matter of a taste. If you want to drink water and instead you are given a very good prepared tasty lemonade, you would not like to drink it. I don't like lemonade and Coca-Cola-like drinks although most people do like them (by the way if you want a cheap version of a Pass amplifier, try Nuprime stuff, e.g. ST-10 class d amplifier). I'm so glad I was able to repair my Cherry Megaschino class d amplifier. I can now drink a pure good quality water. Tommy would have been very happy to hear this. Kuribo, your judgement may come from some objective data, this may make sense. To be more convincing you may go a bit deeper into the design basis of some GAN amplifiers, e.g , those of Atmosphere. Of course it would be important to compare them by yourself with Purifi etc. (By the way, what you would say about the former amplifiers if they were five times cheaper?) In fact, i own LSA GaN Voyager for already some months and keep it on a shelf unplugged. I am disappointed not only with its sonic properties but also with a terrible service i experienced. |
- 222 posts total