Should I steer clear of class D amps

I am an old audiophile and must admit to being suspicious of this completely new class if amp when released, particularly as they a flea weight.

When first released there was a lot of hype about perfect sound and then a collapse as everyone realized they just didn’t sound that good. Then year by year they got better sounding. I have heard some contemporary Class D in my system. They can sound very good.

But the thing is, it depends on exactly how much you have to spend, your musical taste and system. Say you have $X to spend… maybe there is a class D that would be the very best sounding amp for you… but had your budget been $2X then some class AB would have been the best for you.

So, I would not stay clear of Class D. You need to carefully audition any high end amp to be sure it has the sound you want and fits in with your system.

Class D is good stuff these days. Try it and find out for yourself if interested.

I started with Class D about 14 years ago in part as an experiment prior to adding more tubes and never looked back. It’s even better technology today. All tubes are now gone. No regrets.

I run a Cambridge Evo 150 and an older Bel Canto c5i. Both are always dead quiet …zero noise issues if that helps put your concerns to rest.

Have heard other NAD Class D and can highly recommend.  The new integrated with the meters caught my eye and looks way cool. 
 

If you can certainly audition especially at your rig.

I ran a PS Audio S300 with a tube pre with much satisfaction. Moved to class A/B just to give it a try as I found a deal on a good amp and my speakers are bit sparkely at high levels. But would not hesitate to go back as most of my listening is at lower levels these days. PS Audio has a try and by in the USA but not sure about across the pond. Read the reviews on the Wyred4sound offerings as they have much experience with class D implementations and have units in your price range.

I have even seen the PS Audio M700 Mono blocks used in your price range.

My S300 ran really cool temp.

Also, being that you appear to be in the UK see if you can get in front of a Quad Artera Stereo amp. They can be had used , in the USA anyway, in your price range. Class A/B, but great bang for the buck amp.

@ghdprentice +1, very good answer.

A few years ago, I moved from some nice sounding class A amps to Bruno Putzeys' Class D NC1200 monoblocks that were all the rage at the time.  Unfortunately, as mentioned by @ghdprentice, "everyone realized they just didn’t sound that good", including me.  In essence, they just did not sound natural to me wrt high frequencies, decay, and spatial ambience of the venue and between musicians.  Those amps made me think of individual musicians each playing in their own isolated sound booth. 

I have nothing against class D, but have not heard any examples perform at the same level as the better class A and AB amps I have owned.  However, I do like them powering my subs.

You clearly know what you like - "I currently have an Onkyo TXNR 636 which has served very well."  Therefore, take your time, go listen to some amplifiers, and then pick what sounds good to you, not what others say you should like, or what has the coolest-looking VU meters.

I have owned a Rogue and a Carey Integrated. Both class D and both were sterile and uninvolving. After that, I stay away from class D amps.

FWIW currently using a Luxman 505UX Mark2.

Just my experience.

Regards,

John