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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?

 

128x12861falcon
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
342 posts
 

There is a minor logical issue in my mind in this debate.  Much is said that Class D is coming, i.e. improving so as to challenge Class A/B mainly.  What is lost is that IMHO they have a ways to go, but let us not forget that Class A/B is allowed o improve as well.

None of them are going away, so we add another long term player ti the tube vs SS debate.  It is good for all concerned.

For a long time we all thought vinyl was almost dead and now it rises from the ashes.  The only source really dead is the 8 track tape, although cassette is on its last kegs IMHO.  My only question is if R2R can make a comeback.  

inna
7,422 posts
 

No-one will remember this class D in twenty years, and no- one really needs it except a few fashionistas. But we do need a completely new amplification device to be invented, both tubes and transistors virtually exhausted their potential. This is one more commercial BS, this class D, similar to another cd reissue, slightly better or slightly worse than the previous one.

inna
7,422 posts
 

I hope Reel-to-Reel comeback will happen, even if the scope of it is limited. There is nothing like tape. 

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,421 posts
 

@deep_333 ,

Thats some impressive gear you have there. Would definitely like to see your setup, especially those Gryphon amps. You should post your system here - so we can drool 😆

tunefuldude's avatar
tunefuldude
204 posts
 

@inna did you just call me a fashionista?           : )

I don't think Steinway Lyngdorf is a flash in the pan.

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