2. amps-preamps
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Could Class D really be that good?

I've heard statements praising modern class D amplifiers all the time but was sort of hesitant to try. Lately, one particular model caught my eye, the Fosi V3, which costs sub $100 but is praised for having refined sound like class A/B. To fulfill my curiosity, I quickly ordered one and tried it with my Burchardt S400II and Wharfedale Linton speakers. Basically, this is a neutral sounding amp but, to my surprise, the sound is clean, open, airy, with full mids, wide soundstage, good imaging/separation, with nearly null traces of the edginess, dryness, or lean sound that traditional class D amplifiers have. The background is just as quiet as my current systems. The core is the TPA 3255 chip from TI and comes with a 32v, 5A power block, which is supposed to deliver approximately 65 watts per channel (into 8 ohms). It drives the S400II/Linton without any hesitation, as well as my 130-watt-per-channel high-current Parasound A23. Very impressive.

Measurement is not everything. However, according to the lab test results, when operated under 10-60 watts, the distortion level (THD) is below 0.003%, better than a lot of high-end (price) gears. I am going to build around it for my fourth system with upgraded op-amp and LPS. I believe it will outperform my current mid-end (price) amplifiers.

I know, I know, quite a few Audiogoners' systems are above $100k, and mentioning this kind of little giant that costs a fraction could be rather embarrassing. But I thought this is just like gold digging with a lot of surprises and fun. Don't you think?

lanx0003
eddnog
54 posts
 

I currently run the following chain and love it:

Musician Draco -> Schiit Freya+ rolled with matched quad Psvane CV181-T MkII tubes ->  a pair of Fosi ZA3 power amplifiers with rolled op-amps (Burson V7 Vivid in the left channel gain, Sparkos SS3602 in the XLR input) run as monoblocs in stereo mode each with a 48V/10A power supply -> LS50 Metas and also an SVS SB-3000 hooked up to the single ended outputs on the Freya+.

This chain absolutely blows away the same chain with a PS Audio GCC-100 in place of the Fosi amps. I am hotly anticipating the release of their V3 Monos, and am considering putting in a preorder, but I’ve been in touch with them and it looks like in order to roll op-amps, you will need a pair of the same ones for each amplifier in gain section and I’m not sure if I’m willing to invest in an extra pair of Burson V7 Vivids (I would roll over the op-amps from my current amps except I currently only have one pair of the Bursons).

-Ed

pennfootball71's avatar
pennfootball71
278 posts
 

No it can not but can be better than cheap inexpensive class A/B

lanx0003 OP
831 posts
 

@eddnog 

I was further confirmed with the 4/20 on Kickstarter which is initially informed by @jackjohnson316 and Fosi also told me that it will hit Amazon in US on June.  I am interested in SS3602 myself too but wonder why don't you consider the 2nd SS3602 instead of V7 Vivids since SS3602 is half the price and the review is good?  How does SS3602 stack up with V7 Vivids?

bolong
602 posts
 

Is this thread studiously avoiding mention of Class D GanFets?

ddgtt's avatar
ddgtt
56 posts
 

As has been mentioned before, Class D continues to evolve.  But the company that brought the NCore module to the market (Hypex) has continued to refine and engineer the technology to impressive new levels.  With the introduction of the Mola Mola Perca stereo amplifier (Hypex's premium product and brand) we are now 5 generations beyond NCore.  The new modules being called Trajectum.  Putting the technical aspects aside for just a moment, the Perca stereo amp is simply a fantastic sounding amplifier, regardless of which class of operation the amplifier is based on.  To me, and those who have purchased or experienced it, the Perca represents the BEST of this technology, with the resulting sound quality as evidence.   

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