My guess is Class D still has upside, but is pretty darn good already. I'm finding it better already than most Class A/B transistor amps. Class A/B/D all use transistors, right?
Tubes are not obsolete. They have unique charms. Definitely a small niche in the big picture though. Bigger in high end audio no doubt. That may not change.
High end audio will always have a special place for the other wise unconventional where it can exert some control in unique ways over the market.
The bigger question is does high end audio as it is comprised today grow or shrink over time as new innovations come about? Being stuck in the past is often not a good formula for growth.
Class D is a game changer IMHO. Tubes beware!
Tubes are not obsolete. They have unique charms. Definitely a small niche in the big picture though. Bigger in high end audio no doubt. That may not change.
High end audio will always have a special place for the other wise unconventional where it can exert some control in unique ways over the market.
The bigger question is does high end audio as it is comprised today grow or shrink over time as new innovations come about? Being stuck in the past is often not a good formula for growth.
Class D is a game changer IMHO. Tubes beware!