Audio Research DS 450 amp......thoughts

Palewin

Regarding the "T" class that ARC state it depends on the fact that it is a variation of class D amlifier with a variable switching frequency, but make no mistake, it's still composed of a comparator that compare a triangular wave with the signal and produce a PWM signal to drive the switching output transistors.
Just to vary the triangular wave switching frequency according to the demand of power will not make it a none class D amplifier.

There are some other versions of switching amplifier technologies (E/F/G/H), and there have been some examples of class G and H in the market. Usually for our portable audio devices.
E and F is for high frequencies and not suitable for audio.

Please read more here if you want:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_amplifier

There is one instrument that can disprove all the theory's in the world,and that is the Human Ear!

I bought my Ds 450 8 months ago along with LS 27 to drive Sophia III speakers. At 1st the 450 left me wanting, but after the longest burn-in necessary in my experience, 600+ hrs. the 450 allowed all of great sound from the LS 27 to flow through and I am now very satisfied from various aspects.

I had a chance to compare the Class D Audio Research integrated VS. Ayre V5xe with matching pre amp through Maggie 3.7s. The Ayre had noticably greater soundstaging and detail resolution.
The ARC had a wetter, less dry sound with more tonal density and better bass extension on the Maggies.

I just got one of the last factory fresh DS450's. It replaced my HD220. (Long story)

 Anyhow, im using the stock arc power cord from hd220 is it was already there sitting on the rack and the new power cord seems identical 12 gauge 20
amp. I also used an S.R. Quantum red fuse in the 220. I'm planning on trying the newly released quantum black. Unfortunately I can't use the old red fuse from the 220 because it's 8 amp and the 450 calls for 10 amp. 

5560, 
what fuse and power cord are you using? I'm still breaking mine in obviously. It has about 72 hours on it and it's improvement has not been linear. Almost like my Morrow cables. I'm just curious as to the improvements you heard with this particular amp. So far, with everything stock, it has a great sound! I'm not really missing the 220. It is much more robust, images as well or better than the 220 with the upgraded fuse, and seems smoother even though it's class D!  

This is my first class D amp. I'm not sure why everyone doesn't like class D. Maybe this is a testament of how good the ds450 is compared to other class D Amps.