Because an amp uses GaNfets does not mean it is the cat's meow. The Purifi module and now the sonically better and more powerful HIGH POWERED Purifi modules sound really great......and also Hypex has released its Nilai amps and preamps (available as DIY or assembled). This is Hypex's best sounding module.....even better than the just released NCX500. And these Purifi amps and Nilai amps are under $2K for a stereo amp ($1379 for a Nilai stereo amp kit....super easy to build) and just over 2K for mono blocks (over 200 watts a channel into 8 ohms).....less than half of Atmasphere. And you can have them modded, as well, for even better sound. Check out VTV Audio.....they sell them both.....along with the all digital amp:....the VTV D300 (300 watts a channel0 stereo amp....what I am using right now). Orchard Audio also makes great class D amps that do use Gan fets....starting at $2650 for a basic stereo amp....
Benchmark AHB2 or Class D (GaN FET)
The Benchmark AHB2 seems to be a different twist on linear Class AB amplifier design. This amp uses a different approach to distortion cancellation that gets around some of the problems of using large amounts of negative feedback. It uses a THX patented technology (under license) called AAA. This amp has been around for several years. It gets rave reviews, so I am surprised that the technology is not in more widespread use.
I am interested in why this approach is not more widely used.
Also, how would this amplifier compare to the newest Class D technology, which uses GaN FETs and much higher switching frequencies. (GaN Class D amplifiers which are price-competitive with the AHB2 are the LSA Voyager and Peachtree).
At a higher price point would be Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks and the AGD Tempo.
I would appreciate hearing the forum members' opinions on the AHB2 technology vs the latest Class D amps.
Thanks,
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From this page on the Gold Note PA-10 mono blocks it states it's their first design to use GaN FETS but I can't say for certain whether other Gold Note models use them as of yet. A quick look at Gold Note's site doesn't even mention the use of GaN FETS in the PA-10, let alone any other model. All the best, |
I had a set of Benchmark run in mono configuration. I simply could not get them to sound great in my system and had to sell them. They had a predominant midrange forward character where the midrange was so much louder than other frequencies. It was clear and dynamic, almost too dynamic. I too have 90db sensitive floorstanders like you and cannot recommend the Benchmarks. I have an Orchard Audio Starkrimson on order as part of the tour and am looking forward to it. In the mean time a Parasound a21+ is sounding pretty decent. |
Here you go @ricevs @nonoise . Almost every review mentions it so they must know more than us and GN is simply play their cards close to their chest? I do know this they sound great and better than most if not all the Class D that I have listened to. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/gold-note-pa-10-amplifiers/ https://www.hifipig.com/gold-note-pa-10-power-amplifier/ https://darko.audio/2020/07/brawn-and-brains-gold-notes-pa-10-power-amplifier/ |
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