Classdaudio vs Channel Islands amps

I know that amps from both companies have received good reviews, but I would like to see a comparison between the two. Even though they are both class D, they are based on different modules. I do like that Classdaudio manufactures their own modules, which is probably why they can pass the savings onto the customer.

Having had extended conversations with Dusty Vawter of Channel Islands during the past three years, and receiving emails from him of the interior of the D-500 MKII, he has applied major upgrades to the D-500 MKII by adding a large power supply and a beefy toroidal transformer and adding his own DC power supply board. I respect companies that take small, lightweight Class D switching modules and power supplies and add major upgrades to make a far better product than just slapping in the switching and power modules and adding fancy wiring in a pretty cabinet and charge an outrageous retail price. The Class D Audio amps look like a damn good deal for the price. Another company to consider as well with high powered budget priced Class D amplifiers using the very innovative Pascal switching and power modules is D-Sonic out of Texas. Jeff Rowland recently utilized Pascal amps into two of his newest Class D products.

I am stumped..having over looked Class D Audio in recent months I decided last evening to read reviews of their SDS-470C amp on blogs and forums of consumers who recently purchased the amp and the one positive issue that keeps coming up is that it sounds very much like a tube amp with a lush, warm midrange character with out standing bass and a very smooth sweet treble. For $700.00 and completely made in the U.S.A., this very well could be the sleeper giant that will make fools of all of us thinking we have to spend well over $1K or more for a good quality Class D amp.

This is exactly why it's so hard to choose. Class D Audio is such a great value. The owner is so nice and helpful too.

Izora..I got an email today from Tom at Class D Audio regarding to know the input impedance of the SDS 470 which is 45Kohms, and the gain, which is adjustable on the back for each channel which can be set up to 34db's which makes it easier to match with Preamp's that have a high or low voltage output. Looking at the pics on the Class D Audio site of the SDS-470 kit, I'm impressed that it
includes a toroidal transformer, and a power board that has six large capacitors. I'm amazed that in the assembled version it sells for $700.00, which has enough under the hood to sell for $2K to $3K from other companies. Tom mentioned he makes very little profit and his sales are very strong in Europe.