Class d amplification

To those with class D mono experience, which ones are closest to tubes or give that warmth that most of us want? Seems they’ve come a long way and I’d like to dip my toes into the pond. Atmosphere sounds intriguing. TIA!✌🏻

@rwmiler 

It’s a good question though it might be difficult to answer as few of us would have experience with all the options out there. It’s a growing list. 

I have direct experience with a few which I’ve previously owned: a PS Audio Stellar S300, an NAD M22 and NAD M33 (integrated) - all class D but different topologies.

In my second system, I now own Atmasphere Class D monos.  As I’m guessing you know, Ralph Karsten, the owner/designer for Atmasphere built his well-regarded reputation on tube amps and preamps. The Atmasphere monos are significantly better (to my ears) than the others I’ve owned - as they’re more musical, detailed, yet harmonically rich, without introducing tube colorations. I’m sure there are other fine options, too. 

Please be aware that like most amps, they take a long time to break in. Assume a minimum of 100 hours, but realistically they need >400 to sound their best.  

I am driving them with a tube preamp (also an Atmosphere) and it’s quite a musical combination. But I auditioned the amps in my primary system which has a solid state pre.

I’ve heard other Class D options, some of which I liked, some which I did not. But as I owned the aforementioned versions, I can speak of my experience more directly. 

Best,

I have used easy to design and build SET amplification including 833A triodes with 1000 Volts on the plate and zero voltage grid bias. 

However, my mind is not closed to other amplification designs tube and solid state which I have heard. If I needed efficiency, and if I had small children in the house and I did not want 1000 Volts around them, I would choose class D.

mgrif

Thank you for sharing!

I’m running Joseph Audio Pulsar2’s with Ralph’s GanFet class D amps, and have been completely satisfied with their performance.  In fact, they sound great with every set of speakers tested.