Class D Amplification Announcement

The first sign of class D arrival will be that people will stop talking about its arrival.

It’s about time. 

The rumors of class D arrival have been greatly exaggerated. 
 

if you’re paying attention  similar claims have been made pretty much every year since 2010  

@jjss49 Thanks for mentioning the AGD amps. How would you compare to an all-tube system in general? To be more specific, let's say if someone like the tube sound and has not been satisfied with SS ... should this person consider AGD?

P.S. I'm in no way implying that tubes are better than SS or vice versa. But for my personal taste in music, tubes offer something that SS does not. Of course, just the opposite can be true for someone else.

Tubes are making a rebound as millenials and genzers flex their economic muscle in seeking retro tech like fine turntables and tube amps (I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 hybrid and put in Golden Lion Russian tubes--sweet for a 2nd office system). Tubes are warm, but not as reliable as well-built solid state--technology moves forward regardless of nostalgia.

Sorry I disagree. To reduce the appeal of tube-based amplification to merely "millenial rebound and genzers flexing their muscles" is incredibly presumptuous and short-sighted. Many of us have started with SS, gone back and forth between tube and SS, and prefer tubes based on our listening preferences. It has nothing to do with making fashion statements or nostalgia.

Secondly, well-made tube amps from reputable companies are very reliable. If you choose wisely and buy from established tube vendors, most tubes are also very reliable. Of course, they have a shelf life but we all make that decision with this understanding.

And lastly, the segment for class A amps, compared to the overall audio market is minuscule and limited to a tiny subsection of enthusiasts. I seriously doubt that, given the small market share, it puts a dent in the environment. The analogy with motor vehicles is flawed and a bit exaggerated.

@jjss49 Really appreciate the detailed response. If I didn't know any better, I would have said "too good to be true." :) But since I'm well aware of your experience and expertise, I have to say that this is a ringing endorsement of AGD. 

A few days ago, I opened a thread about the possibility of moving from integrated to separates, but I purposely requested an all-tube solution (amp and preamp). Based on your impressions, I'm very tempted to give AGD a shot. 

I have gone back and forth between tubes and SS, and each time I come to the same conclusion that for my taste and preferences, tubes appeal to me the most and pull me in emotionally better than SS amps. If I'm forced to pick only one or two attributes of tube amplification that appeal to me the most, it has to be the holographic/3D soundstage and the lit-from-within qualities that good tube amplification does it better than SS (of course, in my opinion only). How do you think AGD compares in this aspect? Are there any shortcomings (vis-a-vis tubes) that you can think of?

Sorry, I know I'm asking you a lot of questions but I'm very intrigued now :)

@jjss49 and @twoleftears : Thank you for sharing your impressions of AGD products. I'm very intrigued and will definitely reach out to AGD once I'm ready to make a move. I think the combination of a tube linestage and AGD Audion or Tempo is something that might fit the bill perfectly -- i.e. more power but without sacrificing the 'tubey goodness' (thanks jjss49) that I've come to appreciate so much.

One thing I don't understand is the difference between Audion and Tempo. It seems like Tempo is more powerful, yet Audion is a bit more expensive. What justifies the additional cost of Audion (besides the fact that it is a monoblock of course)? There is a price difference but it's not substantial. I will call AGD and get more info but please feel free to share further impressions.

@jjss49 Yes, I definitely intend to reach out to Alberto when I’m close to making a decision. The problem is that currently I have an integrated amp (Audio Hungary Qualiton a50i), so getting an AGD amp can only happen after I have also acquired a preamp. From what I understand, I cannot use my Qualiton purely as a preamp. If I’m mistaken, feel free to correct me. Also, if I do get a preamp most likely it will be tube-based. I don't want to be too adventurous :) Baby steps! 

Second problem is that my current setup (Qualiton a50i + Joseph Audio Perspective2) is sounding so great that I don’t know if I want to change anything. I finally dialed in the subs perfectly, and to be honest, this is by far the best my system has performed. Not to say there is no further room for improvement. But I just don’t want to make a lateral move. But what I do know is that whenever the itch gets out of control, AGD will be top of the list. I really appreciate your input.