Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?

Be it class D or similar switching technology, it is the future.  Linear amps of all kinds will become a niche market. The only good thing about that is the great progress that has been made in both quality of the amps, and in understanding what kinds of DSP can be used to provide the euphonic distortions some prefer.  First generation ICE modules were screamingly horrible. Newest Purify very clean. Not to my liking but I can accept the progress. 

Speaking of Carver. I remember when someone said he could not make a SS amp sound like a tube, so to prove it, he made a very good tube amp, and then tuned a SS to be very close.  Not as close as some wanted, but he did make a marvelous tube amp. Silver Seven if I remember. Manley showed us how changing the grid resistor changes the tube sound to be almost SS.  The relevant point is that it is the transfer function, not how you get it. 

jaytor

thanks for the clarification. the patent must have run out, and that technology has not taken the industry by storm.

It did it’s job with essentially no heat in my office, but you are right, I never thought ’this thing sounds great’, just gave me music.

Class D must be low heat, do some of them sound 'great'?

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I know it’s off topic, apologies to OP

a bit more about Carver for anyone who cares:

The Carver tuner got amazing reception and sounded darn good as I remember.

https://www.kenrockwell.com/audio/carver/tx-11a.htm

I’m using the tuner in my vintage McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp. It needs a good signal which I have. Sounds terrific. Most people, past and present have never heard terrific FM.

Richard Modaferri said "there is nothing I could do to make that tuner better". He designed this McIntosh Tuner

https://skyfiaudio.com/products/mcintosh-mr77-mr-77-vintage-fm-tuner-richard-modafferi-serviced-dole

@mahgister 

Many thanks for coming out in strong defence of Ralph, who is a humble and careful commentator who compared to many on this forum is a master of his chosen subject

We are all lucky to have an expert of this caliber swimming in this little pond...

Any attack on his moral standing as a member of audiogon must be counter with vigor...

We can loose many other members without loosing much, beginning with me, but no serious audio site can deal with an helpful adviser lost of this caliber... Those thinking the opposite are idiots.. I dont mince always my words... Nor am i always diplomatic,..Sorry... I know you think the same as me ... 😁

Anybody reading his very informed posts think  the same... I know nothing about amplification design but i am able to read articles and tech information...

Many thanks for coming out in strong defence of Ralph, who is a humble and careful commentator who compared to many on this forum is a master of his chosen subject

If they renamed it "Class AA," it would sell a lot better. IMO, it's not the sound quality holding back wider adoption. Manufacturers and audiophiles are somewhat conservative as a group.