Does anyone know how the NuForce/NuPrime class D stuff stacks up? They seem like they've put more thought and research into the stuff than just using reference class D designs.
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?
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This statement contradicts this one:
I have found over the years that when someone is willing to contradict themselves in an argument, its never about the truth of the matter; its only about trying to make the other person wrong.
(emphasis added) Despite the obvious syntax error, the above statement suggests that no attempt was made to measure any of the changes introduced. The reason you would want to do measurements after changing anything in a class D circuit is noise and parasitics can show up, which can interfere with other equipment, for example an FM tuner or digital equipment sitting nearby. Bruno, the designer of the Purifi and Hypex modules, is very emphatic about this in his papers. @lanx0003 BTW, if anyone tells you they have 6N (6 Nines, IOW 99.9999% copper) copper wire, if you are in their presence it might be sensible to turn and run as hard as you can. 6Ns copper is a myth; it does not exist. Wire manufacturers just laugh if you suggest this sort of thing to them. What is real is OFC (Oxygen Free Copper), which was not developed for audiophile applications (see the link). |
Ralph, It took you two days to reply and that is all you can come up with? You will say anything just to make me look bad so you can feel you are right.....wow! The two statements are not contradictory......I said "if it changes the measuremets". Again, never implied it did. You are just making something up to make me look bad, so that people might dismiss the fact that you stated something untrue. You are lying.....plain and simple. You cannot measure the distortion in high end used passive components......that is a lie.....and you know it. You have never proved that you can....and no other designer (that I know of) has ever said this except you. The only way you can prove you are correct is to show measurements. The only intelligent (non ego driven) response to this post would be that:.....your measurements....your quotes from others who have tried this and show their measurements. Any other reply would just be from your ego.....(defending your postiion...without proof). So is the statement you made true? If so, prove it. Othewise it is a lie. Why would someone make up stuff and post it online? I try to state what I know about....that is directly experienced or relay info from others who directly experience stuff. I wish you well, but stating something on a public forum that is not true and then defending the statement by trying to make someone look bad who points out your untruth (rather that prove your original statement).....does not help your reputation. Why would I trust anything else you say if you just make up stuff and post it? Now you are saying 6N copper is a myth. Can you prove it? Is this a belief or a BE LIVE? Please show us the measurements. From what I read, the claims of 7N and 8N are made up, but 6N can be real. All wire sounds different no matter what the amount of claimed Oxygen free level. A single piece of wire will sound different depending on the direction it is used.....even PCOCC wire. All above sonic statements tested with my ears....so it’s a BE LIVE. Belden make the Iconoclast insterconnect cables and those guys are VERY scientific.....however, they make three different versions....pitch copper, OFC and PCOCC. They go up in price accordingly. Every one who has reviewed them agrees that the PCOCC ones sound the most transparent. Everything makes a difference....my usual statement. And Everything is LOVE.....the statement of the Universe....every second. Enjoy. |
I did try the 48-volt PSU, but the truth is, it doesn't deliver better sound than the 32-volt PSU at normal listening levels or even at 80-85 dB. Surprisingly, the 32-volt PSU offers cleaner sound, leading me to believe that it is the better and less noisy SMPS option. Moreover, in terms of power requirements, the 32-volt PSU proves to be more than sufficient for a small to medium-sized room. The 48 volt psu also drives the amp unit noticeably warmer than the 32 volt which will potentially shorten the left span of the amplifier. Not recommended. |
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