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
@tweak1 Yes, thanks! I am running upgraded power cords for all three components (the Ares II DAC, the GCC-100, and the SVS SB-3000), a passive filtering power strip, and two iFi AC iPurifiers on the strip, one at the end where the cord comes in and a second one between the digital and analog device connections. Speaker cables are SKW, as are the RCA interconnects to the subwoofer. iFi Mercury 3.0 USB cable with iFi iPurifier3 at the DAC end and an iFi iSilencer on the source end. -Ed |
A deal breaker for me. I thought about trying the new Kara in a 2nd system. When they have Schiit Customer Service, and don’t return emails, [I’ve sent 3], what can we look forward to with customer service later when the Schiit breaks, no thanks. Their AI engine is Schiit too. Who wants to talk with that, I sure don’t. Waste of time. Makes me appreciate the boutique designer builders even more. |
To be fair, their communication, not the service, is the problem. When I ordered the Kara, I never received a shipping notification. It just showed up a week later. When I requested an RMA for a Lokius, I received it and returned the product. No confirmation of the return or refund, just a charge back on my card. The AI didn't even know that had happened. I wouldn't reject their products over that issue. It's in keeping with their generally snark attitude. |
@decooney @mashif There is something to be said about getting what you pay for in a way, though. PS Audio is a jiffy to get a hold of during their hours, the conversation was quite pleasant, and they even offered me to trade in my GCC-100 for a half off discount on a new, Stellar integrated amplifier ($1,750). If I weren’t already so happy with my current sound, I’d very seriously consider it! -Ed |
I would. Attitude is important. Emotional intelligence is not that difficult. If we lack most of all five elements of EI, consumers eventually get bored and move on. "There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.". Good Marketing & Support involves mindful communication too. Letting AI do most of that for you becomes self-defeating in time. Many people still appreciate a little human interaction too. That's all. |
