Class D, "Control (Variable Gain)," Amplifier versus Class A/B Separates?


Hello, all!

I am currently running a quite old PS Audio GCC-100 in my chain. It is a variable gain, class-D solid state power amplifier with balanced stereo inputs (functionally a balanced integrated amplifier). I recently purchased and am quite enjoying a pair of KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers, but have been hearing from numerous people that they may sound even better with Class-A or Class-A/B amplification. I am curious what benefits, if any, I might get from making a switch. I am currently considering selling the GCC-100 and replacing it with a Schiit Kara preamplifier combined with a pair of Outlaw 2220 monoblocks. Any and all advice about what I might expect from such a swap would be greatly appreciated! And in case it matters, source is a Denafrips Ares II R-2R DAC playing lossless Apple Music.

-Ed

eddnog

@soix @ghdprentice You know, to be honest, I'm not sure. I think at this point my system is 98% there, perhaps slightly bring forward the vocals, but that might mostly be it. I think I've gotten my system almost as far as I can go without doing room treatments. With 4 and 6 year old boys, it's hard to justify room treatments right now, since it may not be too far down the road that my home will evolve as my sons grow, and I may change up the layout of the family room (where the system is now) or possibly even move the entire system to a different room in the house all together, like the formal living room (where my system originally resided when I first moved in).

@tweak1 Thanks, I've sent them an email to see what they've to offer/recommend.

@ellajeanelle @jallan @snapsc Thanks for your input regarding Schiit. I was intrigued by the Kara specifically due to a combination of reasonable price, balanced XLR in/outputs, and excellent measurements in instrumented testing found elsewhere online. It's true, I haven't had a chance to actually listen to any of Schiit's stuff, so that does make it a bit of an unknown quantity--the same applies to the Outlaw monoblocks, where I simply selected them based on price and instrumented measurements found online, and of course higher output and XLR connections.

-Ed

I have the Schitt Kara. It's quite neutral and quiet. Having a passive mode is a big plus as I can use it as a remote volume control for pieces that don't have one. It's audio functionality is excellent.

However, there are two issues that are annoying. The remote has a very narrow range. You must point it directly at the hole. Even an inch or two away and it doesn't respond. 

The other is its sensitivity to static electricity. A slight touch and it will go into some strange mode and has to be power cycled. 

I have 5 Schiit products. I returned one. Their CS is terrible and it's nearly impossible to communicate with anyone besides AI. But their products are a great value and I haven't had any issues. 

@soix Under $2K for sure. Preferably closer to $1K for this little experiment. Who knows if anything can be achieved at all?

-Ed

I’d save up more $$$ to get something that’ll provide a substantial improvement and just stick with your amp in the meantime.  I assume you’re also using the amp as a preamp?