Class-D or switching amps, any opinions on??


Does anybody have experience on Class-d or switching amps vs either a/b or traditional amps?? I have heard people knock them for limited ability at the low frequencies. However, I listened to a Linn amp not long ago and could not hear it wanting for anything. I want to hear a Rotel switching amp to compare. Why buy a massive 90lb amp thats a space heater if you dont have to, right???
128x128bobrock
I have been using the Tact digital amps for sometime. The lower noise floor has allowed me to understand words in familiar songs which had been previously buried in the mix while using tubes and class a/b solid state. I interchanged the Tact with my CJ 2500A and my ARC vs55 for a few weeks, but finally I could no longer tolerate the additional noise in the analog amps. Nothing is perfect, but digital amps now offer lower noise and greater resolution than analog, and they can tailor their response curves and loudness contours to taste (and speaker demands) with no additional distortion penalty. It can only get better!
Probably not the only person here who has owned class A, A/B, D and tubes. Currently using two PS Audio Trio C-100 in full balabnced bi-amp configuration. The C-100s use the same ICE module as Bel Canto, Cary, Rotel and probably many other makers use. To my ears they are exceptional for the money.
I won't say they beat the others in every category. But for many reasons, including the low power requirements and small size, I'll stick with them. When the newer ICE versions hit the used market I'll probably move up in power, although in my small system, 100 watts bi-amped is probably sufficient.
As stated earlier, your ears are what matters. At used prices though, if you are really curios, give one a try.
I meant to say I'm using the PS Audio Trio A-100 amps, not C-100.
Wouldn't an edit function be nice here?
Tim,
not to split hairs, but add PS Audio to your list of ICE users.
Have never owned tubes, for 3 main reasons. Panels, heat and Tubes.

Sam, repeat after me 'Class d is NOT digital'. repeat as necessary. read links I provided in earlier post.
Timrhu - when you move up in power the bandwidth gets lower. Your PS Audio amp's module has higher (65kHz) bandwidth than more powerful 1000ASP 1kW module. It is simply because stronger Mosfets are slower. New much faster Mosfets are introduced every year and bandwidth eventually will increase.