Class "D" amp? I do not have a clue. Do you?

A few years ago, Class D amps received a bad rap from both users and reviewers. Perhaps deservedly so.

However, the latest generation products from top manufacturers require a listen IMO. Given a proper speaker match, some of them challenge far more expensive solid state competition. They still may not be your cup of tea but the overall sonic quality has improved significantly.

Those who claim Class D amps are aggressive and/or unbalanced either haven't heard the newest products or have poor listening skills.

IMO

"Those who claim Class D amps are aggressive and/or unbalanced either haven't heard the newest products or have poor listening skills."

Or they may have heard them in the wrong setup.

No amp or amp technology works best in all cases, including Class D, though I suspect it may be the most versatile amp technology around overall nonetheless.

>>10-20-10: Mapman
Or they may have heard them in the wrong setup.<<

Agreed.

In my prior post there was an allusion to a "proper speaker match". This is critical.

No speaker or amplifier can be evaluated without a correctly chosen counterpart.

But it is disingenuous to knock Class D as a totality. Even the most discriminating ears can appreciate its' attributes.

IMO

Ckoffend,

Very well written and interesting post.

I'm wondering if you heard the same issues with Spectron?

I've found the Class D's in my rig to be phenominal for modern pop/rock music, the best by far I have ever owned.

Only big, expensive, heavy, hot running, power gulping monster amps can compete with this kind of music IMHO.

I was listening to "Amputechture" by The Mars Volta last night, LOUD!

This record contains visceral, muscular prog metal that can rip you apart (in a good way) if well delivered, and also has some delicate, beautifully recorded parts. The BC ref amps deliver it all beautifully and you can listen to the whole album loud as intended without being chased from room (assuming this kind of music is your cu of tea to start with, which it may not be for many). Of course you also need speakers that can play the game as well.

Lower your refined audiophile/musical standards a bit and play Boom Boom Pow by the Black Eyed Peas. The electronic percussion should be both viscerally powerful but clean crisp and dynamic. That's what I hear with my Class D amps running either pair of my OHM Walsh speakers.

"Thrak" by the venerable "King Crimson" is a similar kind of listen that will either hold you enthralled if things are clicking or chase you out of the room if not.

They do similarly well on most any kind of music you throw at them.

So when someone proposes that modern Class D amps just cannot cut it, I have to take that with a major grain of salt. In the right system, they are exactly what the doctor ordered IMHO.