Mola Mola Class D is ancient in Class D terms.
What are the best GaN Amplifiers available today?
There have been a number of threads discussing the wonder of GaN and some of the individual amplifiers that have caught peoples attention, including those from AGD, Atma-Sphere, Peachtree, LSA, etc. Has anyone done a shootout against two or more GaN amps? If so, which did you prefer, and why? And on what speakers?
Also, of the one you preferred, do you prefer it over every other amplifier you’ve ever heard? If not, what non-GaN amp do you enjoy more?
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- 213 posts total
@j-wall The M-200 is largely similar in design to the A 200 but from what I understand. it is not simply a bridged version of the A 200, but optimized to deliver even against more difficult impedance loads. I have heard the M 200 with the DAC 200 with the T+A Talis S 300 speakers in someone’s home. I have similar equipment and speakers here on my floor except for having the A 200 and not the M 200. Unfortunately room and setup plays a major factor. His room was “alive”, completely untreated, with speakers only less than two feet from the wall, whereas my room is treated and speakers have much more room to breathe. I don’t feel like I got an understanding of the true performance of the M 200 in his room, but I would say the sonic signature is more similar than it is alike. I’ll note that I was being critical on my previous post on the A 200 and that I sometimes lack awareness of how critical I am being. My comments on qualms are merely based against very much more expensive amplifiers. For its price range, it gets really close to being endgame as long as you like the sonic presentation of T+A gear. I should also note that I want to be able to compare any GaN amps I can get my hands on against the T+A A 200 so I understand the performance differences in each. I agree with @yyzsantabarbara that the Mola Mola monos are old news and there are better amps for cheaper. It’s not Class D, but as I have encouraged higher in the thread, the Cambridge EDGE series right now has my favorite cost-to-performance components. The amplifiers do not replace my $40K T+A HV series components, but I could very well live with them and they are a fraction of the price. Their Class XA topology is interesting and they deliver an incredible blend of musicality (albeit slightly less soulful as T+A), and more incision / detail in a way that is very holographic, all while having the qualities of a Class A amplifier. |
@blisshifi I saw your mention the Cambridge and have read a few accolades on them. I usually mischaracterize their equipment as budget and I should really give it a shot instead of poor blanket statements. The XA topology is interesting I'll have to check out the consumption figures. My biggest proponent of class D is the heat factor. I've been searching for an amp that cuts the heat, but still sounds good which is why I've landed on the Atma-sphere's. Lowest heat rating from a specification page that I've found and supporting a small USA company is a plus. |
@yyzsantabarbara that's good to hear. I was hoping to avoid having the drop that much on a pair. I just saw TMR is now an authorized dealer and they're up for $15k of I remember correctly so figured they still were relevant and compete with the newer stuff. I have seen used pairs pop up for very fair pricing though. |
@j-wall I agree with you on your perception of Cambridge Audio and have shared it myself. I was honestly floored by their EDGE line’s performance, which is why I dedlcided to deal for them. The only items I carry on my floor are their EDGE electronics and one EVO 150, which is more attractive for the lifestyle audience. The EDGE significantly outperforms the EVO on many levels. But yes, while it’s not as hot as Class A or tubes, it’s still about as hot as an A/B amplifier and will use more electricity in idle mode. The qualities you mention, along with smaller form factors and less weight are all great reasons to go Class D. |
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