2. amps-preamps
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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
tweak1
3,679 posts
 

@deep_333 

 

Thanks for the pics of the Technics innards. Have you hear their newer model G700 Mk 2?

I have both a Ric Schultz EVS 1200 (based on IceEdge modules with his tweaks) and a stock LSA Voyager GaN 350 (both are dual mono in one chassis). As much as I raved about the EVS, I was smitten with the LSA in the SS rack. Since then I compared my WW exotic cables/XLR with Ali-E faux Nordost Odin 2, which I much prefer.  I have yet to compare amps since replacing my Solid Steel vertical rack with a horizontal 2' x ft 2" X 5' solid wood maple table, because in the process to horizontal I managed to take out one of the LSA modules, forcing me to reinsert the EVS, and must say, Ive been in no hurry to repair the LSA. When I do I will likely send it to EVS for upgrades

jacobsdad2000
433 posts
 

@arafiq yours is the best post in this thread so far. 

I’m not sure if it’s prudent to quote Steve Huff to prove your point. 

marco1's avatar
marco1
554 posts
 

Everyone should stop picking on Stevie boy.  I like his vids :-)

deep_333
1,536 posts
 

@deep_333 

Thanks for the pics of the Technics innards. Have you hear their newer model G700 Mk 2?

No, i have not...not interested in that one. It has great reviews though. I specifically needed the SU-R1000's 300W into 4 ohms (without space heater amps deployed) for one of my speakers.

tshark
24 posts
 

Current mfg of high end AD amps have a much higher profit margin on their AB design products, as the bulk of R&D expense has been paid for over time.

Once a product is introduced, a good mfg finds ways to lower cost over time to become a low cost - high quality producer, and then can make up for all the R&D going forward. 
 

Having said that, I’d expect many big names are spending at least a few  R&D $ on some Class D product development  

 

 

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