Has anyone tried an amp from Class D Audio?

Csontos,

That's the same conclusion that I came to, based on research. Still, the little company, "Class D Audio" is interesting, I think.

From what I've read, the N-Core is supposed to be a true drop in a box module that yields excellent results, as opposed to the Ice Power modules.

From what I understand, taking an Ice Power module and dropping it into a box yields results that lean way toward the cold side, requiring companies like Bel Canto to have to doctor up the input and/or output stages to get good results.

So, who's to say that this guy building his own amps (here in the U.S.) hasn't come upon a recipe that yields similar results to that of the N-Core modules?

I know that there is a large price difference, but I think that most of that is due to the exchange rate and VAT.

In any case, I am curious about these amps from Class D Audio. I'm just not curious enough to flush ~$600 down the toilet, if they are just another run of the mill class D amp. $600 can buy a heck of a nice, used Class A/B amp on the used market.

This isn't anything pressing for me. It's just something that I'm starting to give some thought to. My Aragon 2004 is getting very long in the tooth and when it goes, I just don't think it's going to be worth fixing.

I tried the SDS-254 and it was natural sounding and compared well with other Class D designs that I auditioned. Sound-wise it was tilted up on the low end a bit. All together I had the following in my system: Nuforce, Bel Canto, Wyred4sound, Channel Island, and Class D Audio.

To my ears, and in my system, the Nuforce bettered the Channel Islands but only slightly ... and at more than twice the cost ($2,400 vs $5,000). I am currently running CI Audio D-200's. The Class D offering was a close third. Unlike a few others, I was not very impressed with either Bel Canto or W4S. Both are ICE module based and were very detailed and clear ("Everything being right with no soul"). They were bought used and sold for about the same amount.

Finally, you can get the Class D direct from the mfg and audition in-home for at least a month. He's a good guy to deal with as well; and in terms price/performance ... you can't go wrong. Just my 2 cents.

Strateahed,

Thanks for the info. What does the rest of your system consist of, in terms of pre amp, speakers and DAC?

How would you compare the SDS-254 to a mid range traditional amp, if you can make the comparison?

Just curious about class D? Have you checked out Aspen? Not class D but a world class contender.

Tonyangel,

I'm using a ClassD Audio SDS440CS amp to drive a pair of Magnepan 2.7qr spkrs. I bought it to replace my older Aragon 4004 class A/B amp that is similar to your 2004. I could not be happier with this amp. It was only $630 and puts out a solid 440 watts @4 ohms and it is very good from top to bottom. I think the CDA designer, Tom Ross, is using some proprietary design that allows this amp to handle low impedance loads. This amp doubles its power when going from 8 ohm to 4 ohm loads, which is unusual for a class D amp at such a budget price. This doubling of power, when the impedance is halved, is typically considered a good indication of a robust power supply in an amp's design.

I would recommend pairing the amp with a tube preamp if you want an organic sounding system with natural bloom and warmth. But, if you prefer a more neutral and accurate presentation, I'd use a solid-state preamp or an ARC tube preamp. From my experience, and from reviews and blogs from users I've read, the CDA amps seem to all have a neutral and accurate sound quality.

I've been using the SDS440, 60% for ht/40% 2-channel music, for the past 5-6 months and thoroughly enjoy this amp for both.

Because your Silverlines are somewhat inefficient, as my spkrs are, I would advise you to consider trying the SDS-440 or the more powerful SDS-470. I can say with confidence that you'll be able to get very good sq even at volumes louder than you'd ever care to listen without distortion, compression and without the amp getting more than merely warm to the touch.

If you decide to give one a try it won't be a big financial risk. CDA offers a 3 week trial period and you'll just be out shipping costs if you decide to return it.

Good luck and please keep us informed.

Thanks,
Tim