Oh how I wish Class D amps ...

class D amps with tube-like sound - I read and read. I think the best comment on it is on Spectron web site:

" The published measurements of many class D amplifiers reveal that while their THD is primarily second-harmonic in nature, there are also some higher-order harmonics present. This pattern of distortion is very similar to the pattern of distortion in poorly designed tube amplifiers. Thus, sonically, this euphonic coloration is confused by some with the warmth of tube amplifiers. In reality this deviation acts as both an annoyance and murky veil. In exchange for euphonic, overly rich harmonic texture (of absolutely artificial origin) the listener gets no transparency and a lower level of true detail."

As I understand, Spectron goal is ulta low distortion levels particularly of odd-order harmonics.

Dob, I'm confused. I thought that warmth of tubes IS euphonic coloration since tubes enhance even harmonics (artificially added warmth).

What is "absolutely artificial origin" and why it is attributed to class D only. Why details are supposedly lost in class D but not in tube amp that also enhances even harmonics? Claim that class D has no transparency and low levels detail is unfounded, in my opinion, and is just opposite to opinion of many, that class D is too transparent/revealing and bright sounding.

When some people believe that class D has "murky veil" being too warm and the same time others claim that they couldn't stand it because it is way too bright - then perhaps it is just right where it should be, neutral, transparent liquid and very clean. It is also very dynamic sounding.

Listening to my Bel Canto ref1000m Icepower monoblocs, I have no idea what that comment on the Spectron website quoted above is talking about or what the basis for the negative description of the sound of other Class D amps is based on.

Must have been put together by the marketing guys......

I agree with others, I can't hear any second order harmonics distortion on my system. I do know what that term means. I have heard all tube systems where their coloration is quite noticeable. Spectron is just tooting it's own horn IMO.

"Dob, I'm confused. I thought that warmth of tubes IS euphonic coloration since tubes enhance even harmonics (artificially added warmth). "

I don't think that BEST tube amplifiers shows artificially added warmth but life-like presentation. What role of even harmonics there I don;t know. I believe that their THD are very, very low and even may be near zero. I repeat, I don;t know why Joule-Electra and Athmasphere, for example, show very realistic sound.... I may not undertsand "why" but I know "what" I hear. Sorry, this is beyond my knowledge.

"Must have been put together by the marketing guys...... "

It could be posted by Satan himself but what its said is "BASED ON PUBLISHED MEASURMENTS...". For more facts, check John Atkinson measurments in Stereophile of different class D amplifiers. If its marketing lie then its marketing lie.

If one likes what one hears then it should be good enough and no defense needed.