New Generation Class D - AGD Audion Mkiii upgrade


I have always had a preference for horn-loaded loudspeakers which, whilst typically easy to drive, can be quite revealing (good/bad) of any changes in the system. I am running Avantgarde Duo’s and have until now always preferred valve amplifiers for their mid-range and lack of fatigue.

I have heard a number of Class D amplifiers and one or two have sounded pretty good but a bit lean compared to valves. Tha changed when I purchased a pair of AGD Audion Mkii amplifiers. The Audions have an almost valve-like mid-range but with a wonderfully transparent top end and great sound-staging. It’s always been difficult to get really convincing bass with my Avantgarde’s because if you increase the bass level the low frequencies can sound detached from the glorious mids/highs. This changed with the Audions as the bass is faster, more dynamic and just overall more satisfying.

These compact amplifiers have what appears to be a valve for each amplifier. This ‘valve’ glows red and I rather like the effect. I did think this was a bit of a gimmick at first but it contains a Gallium Nitride MOSFET power stage. However, this ‘GAN-Tube’ means that if an improvement is developed you can just swap the tubes for the new version. That is exactly what I have done as AGD have launched a Mkiii ‘GAN-Tube.

I was extremely happy with my Mkii Audions and wasn’t sure what to expect with the Mkiii tubes. But as audiophiles it’s difficult to resist an upgrade. The new tubes were fitted in under 5 minutes. I’ve found most components need time to warm-up and ‘burn-in’ so wasn’t expecting too much initially. However, it immediately became apparent that, even at very low volume, there was more detail. I pumped up the volume and was astounded by the wider soundstage which extended beyond the speakers and allowed you to pick out instruments and vocals even clearer. This is something that I’ve found difficult to achieve with Avantgarde’s and I didn’t have with my previous OTL amp. Dynamics are a strength with horns and the Audions really produce a ‘live’ sound, quite startling at times. I’m not great at describing all the audiophile things but would just say that these amps make the system sound so enjoyable and exciting to listen to. They are the best by far that I’ve had in my system.

I know some people will have a hesitation over Class D amps (like I did) but I really think this next generation amps like the AGD Audions will become more and more popular once people get the chance to hear them.

rocketiii

@abd1 

I've had the AGD Duet's for about a month now - these are AGD's new monoblocks, 300 wpc at 4 ohms .  I'm using them with YG Hailey 2.2 speakers and Playback Designs MPS-8 DAC and MPX-X streamer (using the MPS-8 variable control with no preamp).   I'm very happy with the sound, the AGDs easily drive the speakers and work very well in this system.  I think they are a very good match with the YG speakers. 

 

    

 

 

 

 GaN FET’s don’t need 100 of hours of break in. I proved this at friends home a while ago.

@rajugsw You’re funny.......Any true audiophile knows that electronics Always improve after an initial burn in.....gear, cables....even your 4 K TV....you my friend must have a Sansui integrated with Bose 901’s.

Now, and with all due respect, the simple fact your last reply cites the "input capacitance", is an obvious demonstration of the gap in the fundamental know-how of semiconductors in general, and for sure in III-V material devices that exists on this matter from your side. For your benefit, you know, there are multiple FOM (figure of merit) indicators in every device that are application-specific and need to be optimized, together with the package and internal device layout, to reach the optimum performances (you can ask your friends at GaN System), and in the semiconductor industry, there are millions of dollars spent every year to gain small % edge vs. competition every year and with a new generation of parts to improve just a few of them.

Yeah, I have friends and customers that design semiconductors...

Boiled down, a US phrase is 'the proof is in the pudding'.

 Both AGD and Atmasphere can send me their amps for auditioning. 
I can provide an unbiased opinion based on what I hear.