Excellent Solid State or Hybrid Monoblocks Recommendations

I suspect that the gan fet is a chunk of this progress assuming it is well implemented.  I am gonna pick up some class D monoblocks in the near future.....

@jaymark What GaNFETs bring to the table is low noise. You really do want a class D amp to be low noise because that noise can leak out through the air or on the AC power line. It can get into other components and mess with them. So its not enough that the class D amp meet EU Directives for low noise (or in this country FCC 'part 15'); it needs to be a lot lower so things like digital audio, FM radio, a phono section, don't get upset by the operation of the amp in proximity.

A major source of noise in class D is something called 'parasitic inductance' which is might be a lead of a part or a trace on a board that is long enough that its able to resonate and transmit noise like an antenna. GaNFETs typically don't have leads making them inherently lower noise than MOSFETs, which usually do have leads.

GaNFETs also tend to have a very low 'On' resistance, so low that a lot of the time they don't even need a heatsink, because with lower on resistance there is also less energy dissipated in the device. The inherently faster speed of the devices also means less deadtime to accomodate their operation. Deadtime is a period of waiting in the circuit so time is given for one device to turn off before the other is turned on (otherwise the devices can heat up very quickly and fail). Deadtime contributes to distortion- reducing it can make the amp smoother and more detailed.

many thanks.  I was going to pick up a pair of used PS Audio BHK 300 monoblocks used then got cold feet when the seller did not know how old they were and the serial numbers were non-sequential.  So I ordered a brand new pair from P SAudio and traded in one of my amps in my collection.   Glad to know I should be OK with 15a lines.

@jaymark Any time and congratulations!  Bascom King's designs are so well-regarded that you can't go wrong, especially since these ended up on many "best of" lists.

You may also enjoy the tube rolling threads on PS Audio's forums:  PS Audio - BHK 250 / 300 Tube Rolling Thread

Something really nice about the BHK amps is that they accept the 6922 variants without any special configuration.  Bascom replied on one of the PS Audio threads and recommended the Tungsram PCC88, but it's a very laid-back tube.  I went on a tube binge and have tried ~15-20 different sets, so let me know if you'd like any tube suggestions.  I also had a positive improvement from Acme's silver ceramic fuses, which were ~$130 per amp for the set of 6.

Hope to hear your impressions after you're able to set your new monoblocks up!

@atmasphere thanks for the above explanation!  Great talking with u recently as well.  I am still interested in your class d amps as I rotate amps thru 4 two channel systems at two homes.

@pynkfloydd I have been recommended the Siemens NOS 7308 tubes.  Will set me back 1200 bills for 4.  Also tungsram ecc88s.  Any recs based on your listening would be appreciated....

I second Pathos hybrid InPol design. My Heritage MKii is integrated and is my endgame.  Rock solid bass and air mids and highs. I’d assume their hybrid separates are of equal quality.  Worth a listen. Especially sublime with my Tannoy Kensingtons. Also enjoyed my BHK300’s a few years back with the BHK pre.  I only let them go as I needed to downsize boxes and so went integrated.  Good luck.  Many good products out there.