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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?

 

61falcon
inna
7,923 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
7,923 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
2,472 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
205 posts
 

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

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

kennyc
1,885 posts
 

Maybe my assumption of profit margin is not correct? 

It's not so simple.  There's R&D, market positioning, technical expertise, etc.  True one must generate enough profit/revenue to cover costs for a business to survive, more to make the effort worthwhile, but there is much more to consider.  

Sometimes reducing the profit margin (sales) to get deeper market penetration, to stimulate brand interest, and/or to reduce inventory (prevent from being stuck with outdated inventory, sell inventory to free up cash maybe to fund other projects). 

One cannot easily play with the profit margin. To increase the profit margin, one would have to reduce costs and/or increase price. Reducing costs is very limited as you'll soon get to  point where quality will decline. Raising prices is limited by the competition, beyond a point you'll loose sales to the competition. Audiophiles are adept at recognizing price/performance, we have to at these prices

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