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?

 

61falcon
bigkidz
3,444 posts
 

@ricevs 

To be honest, I have not put down any amplifiers.  IMO I have not heard one that floats my boat or any of the people I know.  BTW - I have not sold one piece of gear to anyone on Audiogon.  Sorry if I came across this way to you.  I only post my experiences and offer to invite anyone to came an listen to our various systems.  It is a learning experience for us always.  We enjoy meeting new people and hearing new things.  We offer our help and offer to repair and upgrade any component for people who need that type of service.  Not sure what others have "added" to this thread either.  BUT if I came across the wrong way to anyone, then I apologize for that.  That is never my intention.  OK Ric?

 

koh_i_noor
44 posts
 

Given the filters and phase shift, does class d design lend itself to mathematical modeling?

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,168 posts
 

Given the filters and phase shift, does class d design lend itself to mathematical modeling?

Yes. Like anything else though it depends on the quality of your models.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,167 posts
 

@fleschler Wrote:

As well as other new applications of technology such as Westminster Labs sliding bias voltage Class A cool running higher power solid state amps?

If it runs cool, it's not true class A. Also, Krell had sustained plateau sliding bias amps in 1992.

Mike

mofojo
2,314 posts
 

Best class D I have heard is Lyngdorf. Not saying much as I haven’t heard a lot of class D but 5 or 6 but no “high end” class d. The Lyngdorf sounds the best out of the bunch I’ve heard without room correction, but with room correction it makes a world of difference, much more so than any small amplifier differences IMHO. Guess where I’m going is I don’t think class D is the future but dsp whether the final output to the speakers is class D, A, AB, H or what have you. 

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