Power Amplifier - Maximum Resolution & Detail!

I am on the same page as @atmasphere regarding Class D amps opening up new possibilities. I have had a Hypex ncore based amp for a few years that cost-effectively broke new ground in regards to detail as well as other aspects of good sound compared to my prior recent amps.

Currently I am in early process of trying a newly available Class D amp that uses GaN transistors. GaN has physical properties that open up new possibilities in regards to Class D performance overall. Early results with this amp have been very positive. Most detailed, dynamic and musical with no fatigue. The sound seems to literally light up the room! I’ve never used that analogy before. Stay tuned!

@mapman 

Because GANFETs have no leads on them and are quite small, they allow for reduced noise from the amplifier module. This is really important; its not good enough IME/IMO to just be able to meet European Union radiation directives (required for the CE mark) or similar; the amp really should be quite a bit quieter than that so switching noise doesn't mess with other equipment in any way. If the GANFET amp is done properly it can be so quiet that class A or AB amps actually radiate more noise.

drbay,

I just purchased the SIM audio 861 amplifier all I could say is wow I listened to the Burmeister 216 and 218 which are 50 and $70,000 Canadian and the same audio 861 sounds better the background details those little fine details you can hear a lot clearer with the sim audio 861 and it's only 22,000 US or 29,000 Canadian, the MDCA circuitry that Sim has developed is a real game changer it's going to piss off a lot of companies that make real expensive amplifiers.

So many great electronics in this post! I think I counted over a dozen brands.  I probably heard half of them.

i did an in home test with accuphase v boulder v ch precision.  Magico speakers.  I used to have Sonus Faber.

The night and day difference between Accuphase and Boulder was astonishing.  It’s like I changed out every part of my system.  Accuphase was UBER warm and Boulder was UBER open and detailed.  It really is a personal preference as to what you want music to sound like….and your musical tastes, room, etc.  for me Accuphase didn’t show the Magicos transparency and openness and the Boulders were fatiguing and a bit bright….though with my Sonus Faber Boulder was perfect!

For my Magicos (M6 + SSubs) CH Precision was easy choice of the 3 as it was somewhere in the middle of the accuphase and Boulder…musical, detailed, a little warmth,

if you want uber detail, punch, power, dynamics, Boulder really is a remarkable brand.  CHP is more laid back then Boulder, doesn’t have the limitless power but is can be a bit more musical depending on your other components, etc.

@jkhjr

Excellent comments!

Pointing out the essence of the differences between some high end brands and of course Magico are the ultimate microscope through which to hear differences. Also, showing how matching is critical.