Yes.
Aren't Orchard amps balanced input only?
Gallium Nitride GaN Class D Amplifiers
In my recent research for a possible upgrade to my current amp (Benchmark (AHB2) I was reading about the new higher end design for Class D. I'm very interested in learning more about these new GaN(Gallium Nitride) designs. Three companies are offering some very well reviewed products and they are not going crazy with Watts per channel:
Orchard Audio offers a 250 watt Amp
AGD a 100 watt
Atmos-Phere also a 100 watt
What's interesting is while Orchard is a new company AGD and Atmos-Phere have been around a while producing high end Tube amps. In almost every review it is noted how these newer designs sound like Class A or Tubes with all the benefits of Solid State. One reviewer couldn't go back to his tube amps after extended listening to the Orchard. No wonder AGD and Atmos-Phere are getting into this technology. It's very exciting as these amps are highly efficient turning over 90% of the power they draw into sound compared to about 78% with A/B designs and I believe even significantly lower for Class A. They run cool and usually weigh between 10-28lbs. I plan to do more investigation. Small size and light weight with decent power is very attractive. There are also mono block offerings for more power if needed. These are not cheap Class D products. They are well designed and constructed.
Orchard Audio's base model is around $2700and their Dual mono version with larger power supplies is $5500.
Both AGD and Atoms-Phere are $5000
Mono blocks for each are about twice the cost.
Has anyone had any experience, demos, etc ., with these types of GaN Class D amps?
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@atmasphere I would love if you could try the two tracks I mentioned with your various amps and report findings. Maybe PM me? I am super curious. |
I would not let GAN transistors be your deciding factor ,that is just one small influencing part of a big chain of parts . Much has to do with how substantial the power supplies are , quality of build ,and output stage . Some build pretty boxes look at Merrill a fine product but put a pretty face on it with nice machined cases and then $25-$30k I was shocked ,just 3 years ago they were around $10k .if I am going to spend over $10 k AAvic from theDanish Audio group makes Outstanding gear That get get very $$ ,But they have a entry level line that is very refined with lots of trickle down technologies that is reasonable a integrated starting around $6k. The Danes are known to build excellent products .I owned a class D product I regret selling from Gato audio very natural and musical. I think they have a Canadien distributor .their 150 monoblocks with a meter is very well respected . check these guys out . Sorry I cannot remember everything here but it’s a good starting point. |
- 75 posts total