The modified Peachtree GaN 1 is incredible.
+1
Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?
I have a number of amplifiers: Luxman C900U, Bryston 4BSST2, Audio Research VSI 60 Integrated, NAD C298 and some other less noteworthy units. As I swap them in and out of my main system, I've come to the conclusion my very modest NAD C298 is about all I really need. Granted if I had extremely hard to drive speakers, I might be better with the Bryston or Luxman, but driving my Harbeth 40.2 speakers, the NAD is just fine.
I thought a while ago that class D would quickly overtake amplifier design type mainly due to profit margin which I think would be much greater than A/B and tube. I'm not saying the other design styles would go away, just that D would be the most common style.
Clearly my prediction is not panning out, at least in the mid and high-end audio world and I'm wondering why? It seems companies such as Bryston, Luxman, McIntosh, Hegel and so many others are sticking by A/B. I'm no "golden ears" guy, but is the perceived sound issue(weather real or imaginary) still holding D back? Maybe my assumption of profit margin is not correct? Maybe the amplifier manufacturers are experimenting with D, but keeping tight lipped until release? Perhaps brand loyalists don't want change similar to what happened with "new coke". What else am I missing?
The non- modified Peachtree GaN 400 is a beautiful , lush, full sounding amp that is smooth and detailed at same time....BUT....use a Tube Preamp....Thinking about Ric Shultz's modding this amp but it's soooo sweet as it is..When you win the Lottery, get an Aavik with the Pascal module.....That's another world. |
Dropping back and punting. Just the basics. Why is there this "push" to Class-D in the first place? What do you gain? In what way would they ever be sonically better than a good Class A or AB amp? |
@moonwatcher Because it keeps getting better and better especially with the latest GaN and Purify amps that are being compared very favorably to top solid state and even tube amps. When Ralph at Atmasphere not only designs a GaN amp but chooses to use it in his own system over his very highly-regarded OTL tube amps and that avoids all the expense and heat of tubes in a much lighter and more compact design it’s hard to deny the technology’s merit and future potential. Plus, at least in the case of the Atmasphere and AGD amps, they’re upgradeable as the technology continues to improve. The times they are a changin’ and ignore it at your own risk. |
@soix thanks. I'm glad it is improving if this is the "future" of what sonics we will have. I'm 65 and likely won't have to worry about it, but I hope it will get better and better - at least as good as the best Class AB amps are, and if the transfer function can be attained that gives them a touch of "tubiness", then all the better. |