Branimir, I agree with your finding on the Rowland 302. It is worth pointing out though that the 302 was JRDG 1st venture in class D, and was replaced in 2006 by the 312, which sounds quite a bit different, and to these ears is both more musical and much more exciting.
TVAD says:
"Class D amps are getting attention because they are less expensive to manufacture, purchase and operate than SS and tube amps."
Undeniably, one of the major reasons I am interested in class D amplification is its promise to let me listen to music during the sweltering Austin (TX) summers and I won't have to worry about swapping out exhausted tubes. It is also undeniable that Switching amps have largely debuted on the market with rather minimalistic and relatively inexpensive designs that may have created a perceptional stereotype. I should however point out that they are starting to get the attention of major 1st tear manufacturers, and more ambitious devices having significant price tags are now appearing on the market: Rowland has offerings ranging upwards of $30K, Kharma has introduced new monoblocks likely costing over $40K USD, and so is Mark Levinson. I recently heard that more such manufacturers may be preparing to soon enter the race.
I have not heard any all out assault switching models as yet. But -- already in the habit of keeping an open mind on any tube or classic SS device until I have had the opportunity of a personal audition -- I am simply looking forward to giving any such 'statement' switching devices at least the benefit of doubt ahead of any actual audition. After all, if my modest experience serves me, I do end up liking roughly 20% of what I listen to, regardless of underlying technology.
