Class D is just Dandy!

I have owned a few Class D amps and had one in my main system years ago, but they were pretty easily bested by other similarly priced solid state or tube amps. 

A while ago, I had some issues with one of my solid state monoblocks and bought a pair of PS Audio M700 monoblocks to use while they were being repaired.  While not quite on par with my reference amps, they were quite good.  I ended up flipping them as I had intended to do, but they left a positive impression.

I recently bought speakers that my reference amps were having a hard time driving.  I decided to give the PS Audio M1200 amps a try.  Not only do they supply the power the speakers need to really sing, but they sound as good or better than my solid state amps, which are now for sale. 

On top of that, they use a tube input, which makes it possible to roll tubes and change the character of the amp.  I am quite happy with them.  They seem to have unlimited power, are very detailed without being "etched" or rolling off on top, don't take up much space or weigh a ton, and they'll be easy on the power bill. The implementation of Class D has come a long way.

@phusis 

I am very very impressed with this amp. It is stupid powerful but that’s not why I like it. It is super balanced. Detailed sound, big soundstage, the instruments sound like live almost, very good vocals. 

However, the fans. Ohh those stupid loud fans!

I just realized this thread was started in April of 2017!! It has outlasted GeorgeHifi as well as MQA and still going strong.

Thanks to everyone who has made a constructive contribution to this thread!

FYI, I've gone from linear (Parasound) to Class D (ICEpower) to LInear (Luxman) and am about to transition fully to Class-D active speakers based on Hypex amps and DSP.

@erik_squires ,

Which Parasound? How did the sound change from Parasound to Class D. I am wondering why you went back to class AB. And now looking to change to active speakers. I am very curious about NAD M23 since it is not a beast and seems well made. But not sure if I will like it compared to the Parasound A21.

@celo wrote:

I am very very impressed with this amp. It is stupid powerful but that’s not why I like it. It is super balanced. Detailed sound, big soundstage, the instruments sound like live almost, very good vocals.

Great that you like its sound! What speakers are you running them with?

However, the fans. Ohh those stupid loud fans!

I replaced the built-in fans with low noise Arctic dittos. Noctua fans is another option, and while some of them they don’t shift as much air as the Arctic’s (a potential problem with high wattage usage) their noise floor is a bit lower even. Consult MC² Audio for advice with regard to fan replacement. I had mine delivered by the company to a pro dealer I know well and who’s importing the amps, and this way the fans were fitted with the right wire socket type.